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Last Action

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2026-05-04

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

The Ciji Graham Act establishes four maternal health initiatives in North Carolina: a care navigation program with nurse consultants in each Medicaid region to help high-risk pregnancy patients access care, a statewide hotline providing clinical guidance to healthcare providers, a digital information hub with clinical guidelines and provider directories for high-risk pregnancies, and standardized referral pathways for patients. The bill appropriates $10 million in recurring annual funding to the Department of Health and Human Services starting in fiscal year 2026-2027.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses significant disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black women and rural populations in North Carolina.
• •The legislation creates infrastructure to reduce delays in care coordination, improve access to specialists, and ensure pregnant patients receive timely, appropriate treatment—outcomes supporters contend are essential to preventing maternal deaths and serious health complications.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may raise concerns about the $10 million annual recurring cost and its impact on the state budget, particularly given existing fiscal pressures.
• •Some may also question the bill's inclusion of pregnancy termination referral services and whether state resources should fund guidance on options beyond continuing pregnancy, viewing this as beyond appropriate government scope.