A Wake-Up Call for Maternal Health: Sen. Carri Hicks on Reforming Birth Practices
Oklahoma State Senator Carri Hicks (D), a dedicated leader championing maternal health reforms and evidence-based birth practices to enhance family outcomes and reduce risks in Oklahoma.
Our in-depth look at the alarming rise in labor inductions found that these procedures—often timed for hospital convenience rather than medical need—now make up nearly 40% of U.S. deliveries, raising risks of complications like more C-sections, NICU stays, and long-term cognitive issues by disrupting key fetal brain development in late pregnancy.
Responding to this report, Senator Carri Hicks stated, “This report is a wake-up call. Our hospitals should not be prioritizing convenience and profit over the health of mothers and babies.”
Our investigation also highlighted how elective inductions can interrupt a baby’s natural brain development in the final weeks of pregnancy. For example, a baby’s brain at 35 weeks is only about two-thirds the weight it will be at full term.
This issue demands far more attention from lawmakers, providers, and the public to ensure systemic changes that put patients first.
“Every family deserves the time, support, and information to welcome their baby into the world safely and with dignity,” Hicks continued. “When we prioritize full-term births, informed consent, and wraparound care—from postpartum coverage to doula support—we’re helping ensure every child has the healthiest possible start in life.”
Hicks, a Democrat representing District 40 in northwest Oklahoma City, has dedicated her legislative career to education, health equity, and family support. A mother of three and former elementary school teacher, she holds degrees from Oklahoma City University and Capella University.
Before her 2018 election to the Senate—where she serves as Assistant Minority Floor Leader—Hicks worked in nonprofits like United Way and taught in Putnam City and Deer Creek school districts. She previously led Rainbow Fleet, a nonprofit focused on early childhood education and quality child care, stepping down a couple of years ago due to time constraints and the demands of her leadership responsibilities at the state capitol.
That’s why her response to our investigation stood out. Hicks recognized the deeper implications—particularly how hospitals don’t always act in the best interest of patients, prioritizing operational efficiency and profitability over individual health needs.
Hicks sees this not just as a medical problem but a structural one. Prioritizing full-term births and comprehensive support isn’t just about immediate health—it’s an investment in stronger families and communities.
Her track record backs this up. Hicks has championed extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months, backing bills like SB 594 for enhanced reimbursements in low-access areas. In 2023, she authored SB 183 to reimburse baby-friendly hospitals at higher rates and create a doula certification board.
Senator Hicks also led legislation for complex pregnancies, such as SB 1469 updating infant screenings, and bills covering breast pumps under SoonerCare, blood pressure monitors, and support for women with gestational diabetes or substance use disorder. She also spearheaded a study on lactation accommodations for incarcerated mothers, was the primary author for legislation providing teachers with protected pump breaks, and established Maternal Health Awareness Day.
As Oklahoma looks to improve its birth outcomes, leaders like Sen. Hicks show how maternal health can be framed as both a moral and strategic priority. Her perspective underscores a powerful idea: that in light of these challenges, safeguarding the natural timeline of childbirth isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart policy with far-reaching societal and economic benefits.
What You Can Do
-Read our initial investigation on elective inductions.
-Share this article to spread his message.
-Contact representatives via congress.gov to support consent laws.
-Follow The Daily Muck on X (@TheDailyMuck) for updates.
At The Daily Muck, we highlight leaders like Senator Carri Hicks. With her voice leading the way, more families could see real protections put in place.
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