Project Spotlight
Massachusetts Momnibus Bill Special Commission Report
Chief Report Editor & Lead Technical Writer
Dr. Vanessa N. Robinson, DrPH, MPH serves as Chief Report Editor and Lead Technical Writer of the Special Commission Report on Racial Inequities in Maternal Health for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The report has been recognized by entities including the Bay State Birth Coalition of Boston, MA as well Harvard Medical School as being the blueprint report for the landmark 2024 maternal health law (B.H4999), which expands access to midwifery and out-of-hospital birth options across the state.
The work involved a year of listening sessions, stakeholder interviews, and rigorous policy analysis, requiring careful coordination between healthcare providers, community organizations, and legislative partners. Challenges included synthesizing diverse perspectives into clear, evidence-based recommendations and ensuring that the report would be immediately actionable for policymakers.
By centering community voices and leveraging technical expertise, the team produced a report that directly informed legislation, resulting in unanimous passage of the law in 2024. The legacy of this report as well as the law is still ongoing.
Highlights & Publications
A Vote for Reproductive Rights
Boston University School of Public Health
What Voters Should Keep in Mind About Reproductive Rights
Tufts Now
‘No Part of This Overturn Is Positive’: Maternal Health Experts on the Supreme Court’s Abortion Decision
Tufts Now
Reproductive Health Experts Outline Key Abortion Issues
BU Today
Symposium to Strengthen Maternal Health Research
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute
The Age of the Soft-Girl Era: How Public Health Scholars May Seize Opportunity of Innovatively Promoting Reproductive Health and Nutritional Health Among Black Women of Color
Health Equity
A Closer Look at the Family Planning Challenges for the Black LGBTQ+ Community via the Black Rainbow Justice Initiative
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
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Association Between Changes in Racial Residential and School Segregation and Trends in Racial Health Disparities, 2000-2020: A Life Course Perspective
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
Black Women’s Reproductive Health and Sexuality: Wellness for Black Adolescent Girls and Young Women
APHA Press
Black maternal health scholars on fire: Building a network for collaboration and activism
Health Service Research
Reducing the spread of HIV through intergenerational communication and engagement among African American mothers and daughters
Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease
The Stopping the Spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome through Relationship Engagement Study
HIV/AIDS Research & Treatment
Improving maternal health means ensuring every mother feels heard, supported, and safe.
My work focuses on reducing disparities in care and creating systems that center dignity and equity. Through teaching, mentorship, and collaboration, I bring together stories, evidence, and policy insights to push for meaningful change. Whether in classrooms, communities, or conversations with decision-makers, my goal is to help build a future where all mothers and babies receive the highest standard of care.
