Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has faced strong online criticism after announcing plans to expand the state’s Welcome Family programme, which provides voluntary home visits by healthcare providers to new parents. Supporters say the initiative would improve postpartum care, identify mental-health concerns earlier and connect families with support, while critics argue it represents government overreach into private homes.

Healey said visits would take place within days or weeks of a birth, with providers assessing whether families need additional resources. The expansion comes amid heightened attention to maternal mental health following the trial of Lindsay Clancy, whose defence cited severe postpartum illness; Republican figures and conservative commentators have objected to the policy, while the governor’s office describes it as voluntary and focused on helping mothers and families.