WASHINGTON � After years of refusing to expand Medicaid benefits for new moms, Republican officials in more than a half-dozen states are now reversing course and trumpeting that coverage as central to their conservative, anti-abortion agenda.

Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves talks with reporters Feb. 28 in Jackson, Miss.Â
The shift in GOP support for postpartum Medicaid coverage is occurring in some states that have severely limited or outlawed abortion access since the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion last June. The effort also comes as federal protections guaranteeing people stay continuously enrolled in Medicaid during the COVID-19 pandemic is set to expire in a few weeks.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem gives the State of the State address Jan. 10 at the state Capitol in Pierre, S.D.Â
Safest infant car seats
UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat
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The innovative “SMARTSecure System� combines a standard LATCH system with a visual indicator that tells you the seat is properly secured, so you can rest assured your baby’s car seat is locked safely in place. It has impressive side impact protection and an intuitive five-point harness. $299.99, Amazon. Also available at Bed Bath and Beyond.
Evenflo Gold SensorSafe SecureMax Smart Infant Car Seat
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Thanks to the SensorSafe system, the alerts you if your child has come unbuckled, if the temperature’s unsafe, if your child has been seated for too long, or if your child is left unattended.
The SafeZone Load Leg technology keeps your baby safer in the event of a frontal collision. The structural integrity is roughly two times the federal standard.
Britax B-Safe Ultra Cool Flow Infant Car Seat
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Ìý°Õ³ó¾±²õ has a range of great safety features and is designed to prevent overheating.
We love that it has an impact-absorbing base and an impact-stabilizing steel frame. Plus, it exceeds federal safety standards.
Baby Trend Secure Snap Tech 35 Infant Car Seat
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is a solid choice for those on a tight budget. It has a secure LATCH system and excellent side impact head protection from EPS energy-absorbing foam.
$119.99, Amazon
Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 Infant Car Seat
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You can safety fit with or without a base when you need to.
The five-point harness keeps baby secure, and the fact you can remove the seat covers without unthreading the harness means you don’t risk rethreading it incorrectly.
Doona Infant Car Seat/Stroller with LATCH Base
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features built-in wheels that flip down to transform it into a stroller. It has impressive side impact protection and is tested to ensure it meets the strictest safety standards.
$499.99, Bed Bath and Beyond. Also available at Amazon.
Clek Liing Infant Car Seat
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Rigid LATCH system keeps baby snug and secure.
The Load Leg reduces rotations and absorbs shock in a collision, reducing the force of a crash by roughly 40%.
Britax Endeavours Infant Car Seat
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With two layers of side impact protection, a shock-absorbing base and a steel anti-rebound bar to reduce rotation in a collision, your baby will be well protected.
It’s easy to fit, while the recline and level indicators help you install it correctly. $299.99, Kohl’s
Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat
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We love for its LockSure steel-reinforced seat belt locking system, its anti-rebound bar for additional stability, and extendable headrest to keep babies safe as they grow.
$249.99, Kohl’s. Also available at Amazon and Bed Bath and Beyond.
Bugaboo Turtle by Nuna Infant Car Seat
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Offering cocoon-like protection with the brand’s signature style, contains EPS energy absorbing memory foam to manage impact energy in a collision and has solid side impact protection. It fits almost any Bugaboo stroller, too.
$349.99, Bed Bath and Beyond. Also available at Amazon.
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Platinum XT Infant Car Seat
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is easy to install with the SnugLock LATCH system. The SafetyCore Energy Absorption Zone helps absorb all collision energy in the event of a crash to keep your baby safe.
$249.99, Amazon. Also available at Kohl’s.