DHCS Birthing Care Pathway

California is experiencing a rise in pregnancy-related mortality and severe maternal morbidity, disproportionately affecting Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander individuals, with many cases being preventable. In response, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) launched the Birthing Care Pathway to improve maternal health outcomes, reduce racial disparities, and enhance Medi-Cal-covered maternity care through policy changes, improved provider access, and whole-person care strategies.