Lawmakers looked at Mothers and Children on Wednesday

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - On Wednesday, the Senate Labor, Health and Social Services Committee discussed the 12-month Postpartum Medicaid bill.

Experts, medical professionals and parents gave heartfelt testimony, including two high school students who testified to the money saved and statistics for postpartum care.

Most testified that maternal health care affects whole families and multiple generations.

Critics of the bill asked if there was a way to fund these programs privately.

Experts countered, saying the cost would be too much for one or few to shoulder for that whole state.

The bill would focus on approximately 30 percent of all Medicaid patients that are new mothers with infants.

The bill passed 3 to 1.

Next, the House Appropriations committee discussed Chloe’s law. This bill looks to outlaw gender reassignment medical assistance for minors.

Lawmakers gave testimony as to why this should be illegal in the state.

An Insurance Representative Jeffery Rude of the Wyoming Insurance Commissioner said the bill would put insurers at odds with the federal law and affordable healthcare act that covers trans healthcare.

The LGBTQ community came out to reject the bill saying that it was un-Wyoming, in that the state values freedom and individuality.

The committee adjourned and would discuss the bill after the day’s chambers’ recess.

Finally, in the House, lawmakers discussed the safe plan for newborns bill.

This bill helps healthcare professionals devise a way to treat addicted mothers while helping infants and mothers recover and stay together.

Critics of the bill said the bill needs sideboards to ensure that medical staff doesn’t unnecessarily flag mother for abuse if the child gets sick, and the distinctions should be clear when and how the bill is used.

The bill passed the House Committee of the Whole.