Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, is facing sharp criticism after describing plans to expand the state’s Welcome Family program, which would send healthcare providers into the homes of new parents shortly after childbirth.
Healey outlined the plan in an appearance on Boston Public Radio last week, describing a taxpayer-funded system of home visits for every new parent in the state.
“Everybody in the state, when you have a baby, you’re going to have a home visit within days, weeks and that will be an opportunity for a healthcare provider to make an assessment to see if you need some additional support and resources,” Healey said.
The clip spread widely on social media over the weekend, drawing criticism from conservative commentators and lawmakers who characterized the program as government intrusion into private family life.
Conservative radio host Howie Carr posted the clip on X with the question “Does this sound like a good idea?” The post was viewed almost 2 million times. The account LibsofTikTok wrote, “Stay out of our homes you power hungry creep,” in a post that drew more than 2 million views.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., wrote on X: “IDK who needs to hear this … but the government DOES NOT OWN your baby. Everyone needs to re-read 1984.” Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., called Healey and other Democrats “lunatic libs” in his own post.
Fox News Digital reached out to Healey’s office for comment.
The State’s Case for the Program
Healey announced the expansion last week in a press release describing the program as “voluntary” and intended to “strengthen postpartum care and mental health support for mothers and families across Massachusetts.” The release said the goal is to reach families earlier, make support easier to access, and help providers connect patients to care when needed.
“Becoming a mother is a profound life change, and every parent deserves support—not just during pregnancy, but in the months that follow,” Healey said in the release. “Postpartum depression, anxiety and other maternal mental health conditions are real medical conditions, and no mother should feel ashamed to ask for help or feel like she has to navigate this journey alone.”
The governor’s office has tied the initiative to renewed attention on postpartum mental illness following the high-profile trial of Lindsay Clancy in Massachusetts, where a jury deadlocked and could not reach a verdict on whether Clancy was guilty of killing her three young children. Clancy’s defense argued she suffered from severe postpartum mental illness.
Republicans Call It Overreach
Amy Carnevale, chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party, told Fox News Digital the program amounts to government overreach.
“I’m a mom of three. I’m blessed to have three wonderful children. And, doctors, today, they ask about postpartum depression. They ask about the need for resources. So, there are plenty of resources available to women after they have children in Massachusetts and nationwide. And this example by Governor Healey to send people into the homes of new moms is an example of government overreach and the Massachusetts Republican Party has been hearing from moms across the state, moms and dads across the state, really objecting to this new policy,” Carnevale said.
Whether the voluntary nature of the program, as described in the governor’s press release, will ease those concerns remains to be seen as the plan moves forward.
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