We are writing today to make a formal petition to support the critical issues regarding the Black and Indigenous Perinatal Health Crisis affecting birthing folks across our state by moving forward the workforce development and health access needs of our community via the development of the Birth Doula profession.

It is imperative that we continue to build upon the work of HB 1881 which codified Birth Doulas as a new health profession in the State of Washington.

There are two key advancements that need to take place for which we attest our support:

1) Medicaid Reimbursement Rate for Birth Doulas - $332,000
The Doulas For All Coalition has organized statewide, researched and developed a fee for service model that will allow birth doulas a reimbursement rate of “up to $4,500.00” per birthing person, the highest in the country. D4A is thrilled to see this model fully funded at $332k in Governor Inslee’s 2024 Supplemental Budget Proposal, and this will be the final step in preparing the State Plan Amendment Package and seeking matching federal funds of $491k to pay birth doulas as early as January 2025.

2) Doula Hub and Referral System - $200,000
This budget proviso, sponsored by Senator Nobles, funds a Request For Proposals (RFP),managed through the Washington State Healthcare Authority, to create a recommended design and implementation plan for an innovative, equitable model for a statewide “Doula Hub” and referral system for those on Medicaid with a report and recommendations due to the Legislature in 2025. The referral system would establish communications to birthing people, families, birth workers and healthcare providers who are seeking to connect with state certified and Medicaid enrolled birth doulas through a statewide directory or referral system.

We hope we can count on your support to advance these budget asks and support the expansion of birth supports for our Washington state families.