Summary#
This bill, the Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act, would authorize federal funding and actions to improve data, research, guidance, and care for pregnant and postpartum individuals during declared public health emergencies. It directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other HHS agencies to collect and publicly post data on infections and health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum people and newborns, with data broken down by race, ethnicity, language, location, and other factors. The bill requires privacy protections and monthly updates during emergencies. It funds CDC surveillance programs, the PRAMS survey, and maternal mortality review support, and it funds research at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The bill also requires CDC public education campaigns during emergencies and creates a federal task force to develop recommendations on respectful, equitable, and safe maternity care (including telehealth, midwifery, doula coverage, mental health, substance use supports, newborn separation, breastfeeding, and care access) during public health emergencies. The task force must include federal officials, public health representatives, Tribal and community representatives, clinicians, perinatal workers, and people with lived experience.
What it means for you#
- Pregnant and postpartum individuals: The bill would require more public reporting of health data and guidance tailored to pregnancy and postpartum needs during emergencies. It would also push for recommendations on respectful care, mental health and substance use supports, and access options such as telehealth and midwifery.
- Health care providers and perinatal workers: The bill funds surveillance, reviews, and research and asks for guidance on clinical testing, telehealth, staffing, and workforce support (including midwives, doulas, and perinatal health workers).
- State, Tribal, territorial, and local public health departments: The bill would expand technical support and partnerships for data collection and reporting, and requires consultation with Tribes on data and guidance.
- Communities and advocates: The task force and funded programs focus on equity, disaggregated data, and improving care for groups with higher rates of maternal death and severe maternal illness.
Expenses#
The bill authorizes appropriations (funding that Congress may choose to provide) as follows:
- $100,000,000 for CDC’s Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies program.
- $30,000,000 for the CDC’s ERASE MM (Enhancing Reviews and Surveillance to Eliminate Maternal Mortality) program.
- $45,000,000 for the CDC’s PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System) to add survey supplements, move toward electronic surveys, and expand reach.
- $15,000,000 for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development for research on interventions related to public health emergencies and maternal/infant health.
No publicly available information on additional costs, timelines, or appropriations beyond these authorized amounts.
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.