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California

California Doula Care Expanded to Support Black Mothers

The state now covers doula services through Medi-Cal to help address persistent racial disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Pregnancy

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California has integrated doula services into its Medi-Cal coverage to improve maternal health outcomes and close significant racial disparities for Black mothers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Since 2023, California has included doula care as a covered Medi-Cal benefit, a move aimed at curbing significant mortality gaps. Non-Hispanic Black women in the state experience pregnancy-related mortality rates four times higher than other women.

Why it matters

Structural racism and healthcare barriers contribute to these disparities, which include high rates of cardiovascular disease and hemorrhage. This benefit is intended to help Black birthing mothers advocate for their care preferences in clinical settings.

A 2024 CDC report recorded a maternal mortality rate of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births for non-Hispanic Black women. The state aims to lower this to 42.3 per 100,000 by 2030, though the impact of recent doula coverage on these specific outcomes remains under investigation.

The players

California Department of Public Health

The state agency responsible for overseeing the Title V Action Plan and health initiatives.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The national public health agency that monitors maternal mortality and public health data.

The details

Doulas provide support by educating patients on medical induction guidelines and discussing alternatives to procedures. They also advise partners on how to provide effective emotional and physical support during labor and the postpartum period. This empowerment is designed to help patients navigate clinical settings and advocate for their rights.

Timeline

  1. 2021-2023: Primary period for documented pregnancy-related deaths.

  2. 2023: California began covering doula care as a Medi-Cal benefit.

  3. 2024: CDC published the maternal mortality report.

  4. November 2025: Cassandra Carter gave birth to her daughter.

  5. 2030: Target deadline for the CDPH Title V mortality reduction goal.

Health Landscape

This effort aligns with the CDPH Title V Action Plan to address long-standing maternal health inequities in California. It sits within a national context where approximately 800 maternal deaths occur annually among 3.6 million total births.

If you are eligible for Medi-Cal, you may be able to access doula services to assist with labor and postpartum support. It is worth discussing with your obstetrician how a doula can integrate with your existing care team to support your birth preferences.

The takeaway

Doula care is increasingly recognized as a strategy to help Black mothers navigate complex clinical environments. Patients are encouraged to ask their medical providers about how support professionals can coordinate with hospital staff to enhance patient advocacy.

Further reading

Learn more about local support services in the Pregnancy section.

More information

For more information on state health initiatives, visit the California Health Care Foundation portal.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Sentinel.

Live Poll

Do you believe community-based support programs improve health outcomes for mothers in your area?