Whereas, the health and financial well-being of future generations--our children and grandchildren--depend on meaningful health coverage changes NOW; and
 
Whereas, US health outcomes, and those in Massachusetts, are far lower and costs far higher than in other developed nations; and
 
Whereas, costs incurred under the current health care system are an unnecessary burden to Massachusetts businesses and cities and towns; and
 
Whereas, in the absence of a federal program that achieves the goals of universal, affordable access to essential health services, the residents of Massachusetts support a health care program financed by the state which includes continuation of federal funding;
 
Whereas, improved Medicare for All, a single-payer health care system, would guarantee medical care, dental care, eye care, gender-affirming care, reproductive healthcare, among its other comprehensive benefits for all Massachusetts residents, regardless of income or employment, AND save money by simplifying the way we pay for health care, centralizing health care financing and cost control in a single public Trust while maintaining the delivery of care in private hands; and
 
Whereas, maternity outcomes in the U.S. have worsened in this century while outcomes in 157 other nations have improved (OECD); and
 
Whereas, maternity services have contracted in western Mass, for example with the closure of the Birthing Center at Holyoke Hospital in 2020; and
 
Whereas, community birthing centers that provide greater access and culture-centered care in marginalized communities are needed to diminish the enormous racial disparities in maternal and infant health within the Commonwealth.

Therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Democratic Party calls on the Healey-Driscoll administration and our elected state legislature to pursue the following actions to improve health care in Massachusetts:
 

1. Enact laws to establish improved Medicare for All in Massachusetts;

2. Establish a framework for a robust, uniform, well-coordinated and funded local public health system, per 2023 bills S1334/H2204, which call for a system where public health services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and equitably in all 351 cities and towns; and

3. Adequately fund certification procedures and reimbursement for midwifery services both in and out of hospitals, with special attention to community based initiatives throughout the Commonwealth.