Pregnant NJ Senator Wants More Birthing Options For Mothers As Mortality Gap Lingers

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey Sen. Britnee Timberlake was once told that she might never conceive children. Now – with Timberlake and her husband expecting their fourth child – the legislator is using the occasion to highlight several proposed laws that she says will protect other Garden State mothers and their babies.

Last week, Timberlake (NJ-34) announced that she is pregnant and expects to give birth in March 2026. And yes, it’s a boy – again.

“Pregnancy is especially meaningful for us because I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – the leading cause of infertility – and was told I might never conceive,” Timberlake said.

“Yet, here we are, gratefully expecting our fourth together,” she added.

Timberlake, who has given birth several times while serving in the state Legislature, said her personal experience has given her a firsthand look at what it’s like to have a baby in the Garden State.

Not all of it is good news.

Timberlake pointed to a racial death gap in New Jersey and other states, noting that Black women in the U.S. face maternal mortality rates up to four times higher than other groups, with 50 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023 alone. Black infants also die at more than twice the national average, often due to preventable complications. Read More: Here’s The Plan To Fix New Jersey’s 'Racist' Infant Mortality Gap

These disparities – driven by systemic inequities and limited access to care – underscore the urgency of passing legislation that expands birthing options, midwifery access and family health support, Timberlake said.

According to the senator, each of her pregnancies has renewed her drive to bring “equity to birthing spaces” – and this is no exception. Some of the bills she is pushing for include:

• S4487/A5527 – Establishes the Midwifery Licensing Act
• S1087/A5703 – Mandates disclosure of birthing options to pregnant women
• S1097/A5609 – Requires insurance coverage for home births
• S1099/A3008 – Ensures access to lactation counselors in health care facilities
• S1108/A3507 – Requires hospitals to maintain Baby-Friendly and Mother-Friendly designations and allow water births
• S2919/A3544 – Expands breastfeeding accommodations in the workplace beyond one year

Timberlake said she will remain in the Senate during her pregnancy, with her growing family at her side.

“Thanks to our village, I’ll be right here,” she said.

The 34th district includes Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley and Orange.

• See Related: Doctors Are Giving Unneeded C-Sections To Black Moms In NJ, Study Says
• See Related: NJ Mom’s Death Is Latest Tragedy In Grim Trend, Advocates Say

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