The League of Women Voters of Virginia supports HB2102 which would allow pregnant persons to have immediate access to prenatal care avoiding the delay caused by time required for Medicaid paperwork processing. Given the fact that Virginia is one of ten states where more than two-thirds of counties are in a maternity desert and the fact that Virginia is ranked 40th for maternal mortality rate, interventions such as early access to health care seem prudent. We urge you to support HB2102.

I am testifying on behalf of the Justice & Witness Action Network - VA of The United Church of Christ. As Christians, we are committed to achieving racial and economic justice, and we advocate for health care as a right and priority for all people. This bill provides presumptive eligibility for pregnant women (PEPW) and allows for immediate enrollment in Medicaid without waiting up to 45 days for paperwork to be processed. Virginia is ranked 40th for its maternal mortality rate per the Commonwealth Fund 2024 State Scorecard. This bill will encourage better health care and outcomes for mothers and babies in Virginia. We urge you to vote for HB2102. Thank you.