BILL: Should We Protect Families From Climate Change? - Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act - H.R.3302

The Bill

H.R.3302 - Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act

Bill Details

• Sponsor: Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) on May 15, 2023
• Committee: House - Energy and Commerce
• House: Not yet voted
• Senate: Not yet voted
• President: Not yet signed

Bill Overview

• Makes robust investments in initiatives to reduce levels of exposure to extreme heat, air pollution, and other environmental threats to pregnant people, new mothers, and infants. Pregnant women, for example, are at heightened risk from extreme heat.
• Highlights the impact of pollution and climate change on women and babies. Research on over 32 million births in the U.S. found that “exacerbation of air pollution and heat exposure related to climate change may be significantly associated with risk to pregnancy outcomes in the U.S."  
• Is a pillar of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, which seeks to end racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, led by Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Representative Underwood. Minority women are disproportionately impacted by adverse health outcomes related to pollutants.
• Currently endorsed by over 180 organizations.

What's in the bill?

Invests in community-based programs

• Creates a federal grant program to invest in community-based programs to identify and address climate change-related maternal and infant health risks, particularly in communities of color. 

Develops comprehensive strategies and research protocols

• Establishes a National Institutes of Health consortium to advance research on climate change and maternal & infant health.
• Develop a comprehensive strategy to identify and designate climate change risk zones for pregnant and postpartum people and their babies.

Provides funding for education

• Provides funding to schools to specifically prepare healthcare workers to address climate change-related risks for pregnant women, mothers, and infants.

What the Sponsors Are Saying

• Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said:

“Climate justice is a matter of reproductive justice. We must ensure families and health care providers have the resources and support they need to protect the health and wellbeing of all parents and babies across the country as they face extreme heat, air pollution and the worst of the climate crisis."

• Sen. Booker said:

“Climate change has a significant impact on reproductive justice and maternal health. As we strive to address the racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, we must also invest in community-based programs and health professional schools, so we can mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change-related risks on vulnerable mothers and babies."

• Rep. Underwood said:

“The evidence is clear: extreme heat, air pollution, and other effects of climate change are endangering moms and babies, and we need to take action."

Tell your reps to support or oppose this bill 

—Emma Kansiz 

(Photo Credit: Canva)