My bipartisan bill to reduce maternal and infant mortality

Maternal mortality in the U.S. is at its highest level since 1965 despite the fact that more than 80 percent of maternal deaths are preventable. Recent data has also found that Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy than white women. This is unacceptable.

We must take action to reduce maternal and infant mortality, tackle these racial disparities, and strengthen access to care for mothers.

Last month, I introduced a bill with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to promote maternal health and reduce racial inequities in maternal and infant mortality. My bipartisan bill would strengthen support for women during and after pregnancy, expand maternal health research and data collection, and help ensure women are better matched with birthing facilities that meet their specific needs.

Among its many provisions, the Mothers and Newborns Success Act would:

Provide grants for states to create and implement plans to address disparities in maternal health and improve maternal health outcomes.
Support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) efforts to gather data related to maternal health, which would help determine and address gaps in care.
Improve access to and continuity of obstetrics care in rural communities, including through the use of telehealth.
Establish a public and provider awareness campaign to promote awareness of maternal health warning signs.

Click here to learn more about the Mothers and Newborns Success Act here.

I will continue to help ensure all women and their newborns receive the support they need during and after pregnancy.

I look forward to keeping in touch and hearing about the issues that matter most to you. If you or a loved one is experiencing an issue with a federal agency, please reach out to a member of my staff here. If you’d like to receive updates on my work in the U.S. Senate, you may sign up here and follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

Sincerely,