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Bill

Bill

SB 30

Civil rights: general discrimination; reporting procedures for mistreatment during perinatal period; provide for. Creates new act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Erika Geiss

Michigan bill mandates healthcare providers establish reporting procedures for perinatal patient mistreatment, creating civil rights protections during pregnancy and postpartum care.

referred to Committee on Health Policy
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Bill Summary · SB 30

Legislative bill overview

SB 30 creates a new civil rights law in Michigan requiring healthcare providers to establish formal reporting procedures for mistreatment of patients during the perinatal period (pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum). The bill establishes protections and accountability mechanisms for pregnant and postpartum individuals receiving medical care.

Why is this important

Maternal health disparities and mistreatment during childbirth have documented public health consequences, including increased maternal mortality and morbidity, particularly among Black women and other marginalized groups. Formalized reporting procedures create documentation trails, institutional accountability, and potential legal remedies for patients who experience discrimination or abuse during perinatal care.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability concerns: Healthcare providers and hospitals may worry about increased litigation exposure and the costs of implementing new reporting systems and potential settlements
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's language on what constitutes "mistreatment" may be subject to interpretation disputes between patients, providers, and legal bodies
  • Implementation burden: Smaller medical facilities may face disproportionate compliance costs compared to larger hospital systems with existing infrastructure
  • Scope of coverage: Unclear whether the bill covers all healthcare settings (clinics, home births, midwifery services) or primarily hospital-based care

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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