Mississippi Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act of 2026; enact.

SB 2559, the "Mississippi Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act of 2026," aimed to reduce Mississippi's high infant mortality rate (9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births) by creating a state-wide initiative within the Mississippi State Department of Health. It would have expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months, funded evidence-based home visiting programs for high-risk families, mandated safe sleep education in hospitals, and required screening for maternal depression. The bill directly affected pregnant individuals, new parents, and healthcare providers across Mississippi, with priority for underserved communities and areas with the highest infant mortality rates. Although the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, it proposed concrete policy changes focused on coordinated care, data reporting on racial disparities, and evidence-based interventions to address the state's public health crisis.