Last week, U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, introduced the “Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act” with the support of two congresswomen from the Sunshine State.
Burgess brought out the bill to “assist states in preserving maternal health throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes and finding solutions to enhance health care quality and outcomes for mothers.”
“The tragedy of preventable pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated deaths demands a commitment to ensuring quality care to mothers throughout the pregnancy, including the post-partum period,” said Burgess. “With close to three decades of experience as an OB/GYN, I firmly believe America should move towards eradicating all avoidable maternal deaths – a single loss is one too many. The passage of this bill holds profound personal significance for families across North Texas and the entire nation, and I express my heartfelt gratitude to the many voices that have contributed to this vital cause.”
The bill has five co-sponsors, including U.S. Reps. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., and Kathy Castor, D-Fla.
“America is facing a maternal mortality crisis. In Florida, the number of maternal deaths is higher than the national average,” said Cammack. “We need to improve these numbers and promote developing best practices and integrating services for pregnant and postpartum women to improve maternal health care quality and outcomes. This reauthorization is crucial in helping curtail maternal mortality rates.”
“It is extremely troubling that mothers in the United States are significantly more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than women in other high-income countries – and that Black women are three times more likely to die than other races,” said Castor. “Together, we can work to meet the needs of pregnant and postpartum women. The Preventing Maternal Deaths Act of 2018 established a comprehensive framework to help every mom have a safe and healthy pregnancy and reduce preventable deaths. This reauthorization will continue to support Maternal Mortality Review Committees while strengthening lifesaving initiatives that improve health outcomes for patients.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the March of Dimes are backing the proposal.
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.
