Assemblymember Boerner’s Bill to Prioritize Postpartum Health Passes Assembly Floor

SACRAMENTO, CA. — Today, Assembly Bill (AB) 2756 by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner passed the Assembly Floor with a 73 to 7 vote and is headed to the Senate. AB 2756 would establish a pilot program for pelvic floor and core conditioning group classes for birthing people between their six-to-twelve-week postpartum window.

“For far too long, conversations surrounding childbearing and postpartum recovery have been considered taboo. Many people are suffering in silence or are unaware of the physical changes to their bodies after childbirth. A weak pelvic floor can lead to many physical complications if left untreated. This problem disproportionately impacts women of color and those without comprehensive healthcare coverage,” said Assemblymember Boerner. “We have programs to support parents before they give birth, and we should have programs to support them postpartum.”

According to UCLA Health, one in three people who give birth will experience pelvic floor disorder (PFD) in their lifetime. Currently, most postpartum check-ups are focused on a urine exam, mental health, and a brief pelvic examination, but fail to address the anatomical changes that take place on the pelvic floor, ultimately leading to urinary continence, pelvic organ prolapse, and low back pain, among others.

In California, Scripps Health in San Diego is one of few healthcare systems currently providing pelvic floor and core conditioning.

“We need to prioritize postpartum care. Pelvic floor physical therapy should be the standard of care,” stated Assemblymember Boerner. “AB 2756 will help collect the necessary data in San Diego County and improve maternal health outcomes ultimately in California.”

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Assemblymember Tasha Boerner represents the 77th District, which encompasses Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Coronado and the coastal communities of La Jolla south to Downtown San Diego. You can learn more about Assemblymember Boerner at a77.asmdc.org, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter/X.