Debate Over Massachusetts’ Expanded Nurse Home Visits for Newborns

Twenty-seven years before Massachusetts considered expanding a taxpayer-funded program for nurse visits to families with newborns, conservative leader Phyllis Schlafly raised a question that resonates today. In 1999, Schlafly wrote, asking if Americans would allow government agents into homes to advise on child care.

Massachusetts Expansion Proposal

The conversation has resurfaced due to Governor Maura Healey’s proposal for a $2 million expansion of Massachusetts’ Welcome Family program. This program currently serves about 3,000 births annually, but the expansion aims to cover approximately 68,000 births each year.

Stop ERA national Chairman Phyllis Schlafly opposed the Equal Rights Amendment with a song warning about pro-ERA efforts. (Bettmann Archive)

Lindsay Clancy Case Influence

The proposal follows the Lindsay Clancy case, highlighting maternal mental illness. Clancy admitted to killing her children but cited postpartum psychosis in her defense. The case ended in a mistrial after the jury deadlocked.

Anne Schlafly, Phyllis Schlafly’s daughter and chairman of Eagle Forum, believes her mother’s concerns are valid today. She argues against government intrusion in family lives, describing the home as a private space or a ‘castle.’

Questions About the Program

Phyllis Schlafly’s concerns in 1999 were about programs that screened families and offered guidance. She questioned the voluntary nature of such initiatives, which Massachusetts maintains for Welcome Family.

Nurses in the program assess health, answer newborn care questions, screen for postpartum mental health, and connect families with services. Critics note that the program advises on home safety, though specific criteria are unclear.

Governor Healey’s Vision

In an interview, Governor Healey noted the program as an ‘entry point into the system of care’ for families. Massachusetts lists Healthy Families America among the models for its Home Visiting Initiative, separate from Welcome Family.

Anne Schlafly raises concerns about informed consent shortly after childbirth, questioning if parents can truly consent when postpartum. She insists families need full disclosure about government involvement.

Concerns About Government Expansion

Anne Schlafly expresses concern over government expansion, citing taxpayer-funded agents entering homes. Massachusetts states the visits are voluntary, with a focus on health and support services.

The existing program results show 1,620 postpartum depression screenings in 2025, with 208 positive results. Those who screened positively received referrals.

Skepticism and Voluntary Participation

Anne Schlafly does not oppose voluntary participation but insists it must remain optional with clear opt-out options.

Fox News Digital sought clarification from Healey’s office regarding parents’ ability to decline, the information shared during visits, and subsequent sharing with other state agencies.

Legacy of Phyllis Schlafly’s Warning

Anne Schlafly reflects on her mother’s message, suggesting Phyllis Schlafly would likely advise rejecting government intervention in home environments. She underscores that Massachusetts parents should preserve their home’s privacy.

Jasmine Baehr, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, contributes by covering topics around politics, family policy, and cultural debates.