Massachusetts Democratic Governor Maura Healey triggered a wave of online outrage after promoting a state plan to send healthcare workers into the homes of new parents following childbirth.
Healey appeared on Boston Public Radio to discuss the expansion of the Commonwealth’s Welcome Family program, a taxpayer-funded initiative providing nurse home visits after birth.
“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 explained.
A clip of her remarks went viral over the weekend, drawing millions of views and sharp criticism from conservatives across the country on social media.
Conservative radio host Howie Carr posted on X, “Does this sound like a good idea?” in a message that was viewed nearly 2 million times.
Conservative influencer account LibsofTikTok wrote on X, “I’m sorry what?! MA Governor Maura Healey says everyone who has a baby will be visited in their home by a government appointed healthcare provider ‘to make an assessment’. Stay out of our homes you power hungry creep,” in a post viewed over 2 million times.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) joined the criticism, posting 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-MT) offered a blunt two-word response on X, writing simply, “Lunatic libs.”
Healey’s office described the program in a press release as “voluntary” and designed to strengthen postpartum care and mental health support for mothers and families across Massachusetts.
“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, adding that no mother should feel ashamed to seek help.
The announcement comes amid heightened public attention to postpartum mental health in Massachusetts, following the high-profile trial of Lindsay Clancy, whose defense argued she suffered from severe postpartum mental illness after a jury deadlocked on her case.
Amy Carnevale, chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party, told Fox News Digital that the initiative represents government overreach, saying the party has been hearing from parents across the state objecting to the policy.
“I’m a mom of three,” Carnevale said. “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.”
Carnevale argued that existing medical practices already address postpartum concerns, making the governor’s home visit expansion an unnecessary and intrusive expansion of government reach.
Fox News Digital reported that Healey’s office had not responded to a request for comment on the conservative reaction to the program announcement.
