Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2021

Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2021

This bill modifies the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to add requirements for supporting individuals impacted by a substance use disorder.

Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Agriculture to

• collaborate with the Department of Health and Human Services to develop and disseminate nutrition education materials for individuals impacted by a substance use disorder, including materials for infants impacted by prenatal substance exposure and neonatal abstinence syndrome;
• conduct outreach to individuals who are potentially eligible for the WIC program and who are impacted by a such a disorder; and
• make available to states through an online clearinghouse any nutrition education and training materials related to nutrition for individuals impacted by a substance use disorder or neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Bill 117 hr 5934, also known as the Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2021, aims to address the maternal and infant health crisis in the United States. The bill focuses on improving access to quality prenatal and postpartum care for mothers, as well as ensuring the well-being of infants during their first year of life.

Key provisions of the bill include expanding Medicaid coverage for pregnant and postpartum women, increasing funding for maternal and infant health programs, and promoting research on maternal and infant health outcomes. The bill also seeks to address racial disparities in maternal and infant health by implementing strategies to reduce maternal mortality rates among women of color.

Additionally, the Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2021 includes provisions to improve access to mental health services for pregnant and postpartum women, as well as support for breastfeeding education and support programs. The bill also aims to increase access to doula care for pregnant women, particularly those from marginalized communities. Overall, the bill seeks to address the systemic issues that contribute to poor maternal and infant health outcomes in the United States, with a focus on improving access to care, reducing disparities, and promoting the well-being of mothers and infants.