Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act
12/15/2023, 4:07 PMSummary of Bill S 1605
Bill 118 s 1605, also known as the Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health in the United States. The bill seeks to provide additional support and resources to pregnant individuals and new mothers during this challenging time.One of the key provisions of the bill is the allocation of funding for maternal health programs and services, including prenatal care, postpartum care, and mental health support for pregnant individuals and new mothers. The bill also aims to improve access to telehealth services for maternal health care, allowing individuals to receive care remotely and reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Additionally, the Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act includes measures to address disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly among communities of color and low-income individuals. The bill seeks to increase funding for programs that aim to reduce maternal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for pregnant individuals in underserved communities. Overall, the Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to support pregnant individuals and new mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic, improve access to maternal health care services, and address disparities in maternal health outcomes.
Congressional Summary of S 1605
Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act
This bill addresses data collection, public education, workplace safety, and other matters related to maternal health during public health emergencies.
Specifically, the bill supports (1) various programs and initiatives carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect data about maternal health, including racial, ethnic, and other demographic data; and (2) research activities of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Additionally, the CDC and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must make publicly available and periodically update pregnancy and postpartum data that is collected through federal surveillance systems during public health emergencies. The data must be disaggregated by factors such as race, ethnicity, insurance status, and location.
Further, the CDC must carry out a program to educate pregnant individuals, their employers, and their health care providers about maternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies.
The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to convene a task force to develop recommendations on the provision of maternity care during public health emergencies with a particular focus on communities of color and rural populations.
