“Today is an important step in continuing to make New Jersey the safest place in the world to deliver a baby. NJHA applauds the Governor and the Legislature for prioritizing and strengthening their commitment to mothers and babies around the state.

 “NJHA’s members have long been engaged in the continuous quality improvement process. For at least the last decade, New Jersey’s labor and delivery hospitals have worked with experts to successfully improve breastfeeding rates, decrease early elective deliveries and build a network of dedicated providers determined to give every mom and baby the best start possible. Their work continues through collaborative efforts to reduce severe maternal morbidity and mortality from hemorrhage and preeclampsia; preventing unnecessary cesarean sections for first-time, healthy mothers; and eliminating racial disparities in outcomes.

“It’s the responsibility of the entire healthcare community to ensure that moms and babies have access to safe, quality care. Our efforts working with community partners to ensure mothers receive the necessary care from preconception through delivery and the first year of a baby’s life are aligned with the vision of the Murphy Administration, including First Lady Tammy Murphy and the Department of Health, and the Legislature. We look forward to continuing to work together in ensuring every Garden State mom and baby will celebrate Mother’s Day in good health.”