BILL: Should We Address Disparities in Maternal Care? - Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act - S.1606

The Bill

S.1606 - Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act

Bill Details

• Sponsored by Sen. Cory A. Booker (D-N.J.) on May 15, 2023
• Committee: Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
• House: Not yet voted
• Senate: Not yet voted
• President: Not yet signed

Bill Overview

• The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country in the world, with clear racial disparities in health outcomes. The number of pregnancy-related deaths in 2021 was nearly 80% higher than in 2018. The maternal mortality rate for Black women was almost three times higher than that of white women in the same year.
• The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act addresses this crisis through historic investments in the prevention of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the U.S. The Act encompasses 12 individual bills sponsored by Black Maternal Health Caucus Members.
• The Social Determinants for Moms Act, included in the Momnibus, would establish a government-wide task force to address the maternal health crisis.

What's in the Bill

Takes a comprehensive approach

• Makes critical investments in social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition.
• Expands and diversifies the perinatal workforce to ensure that every mom in America receives maternal health care and support.
• Explores community-based initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure to climate change-related risks. Invests in federal programs to address maternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies.
• Ensures moms and babies have access to life-saving vaccinations.

Improves care for all women

• Supports moms with maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorder and would improve maternal health care and support for incarcerated moms and veterans.
• More than 1,000 American counties are “maternity care deserts,” with no hospitals or obstetric providers, and more than 2.2 million women of childbearing age live in these counties.

Improves data collection

• Improves data collection processes and collection to discover the causes of the maternal health crisis.
• Will research the role of digital tools and telehealth in addressing the crisis and focus on investment in these devices to improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas.

Makes care financially accessible 

• Promotes innovative payment models to incentivize high-quality maternity care and non-clinical support.
• Extends Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) eligibility in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods.

What Supporters Are Saying

• The legislation is endorsed by over 200 organizations and has over 150 co-sponsors.
• Sen. Booker said:

“The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of industrialized nations, and the rate is only rising. The data is even more concerning for Black moms. No one deserves to be left behind by the health care system or face inadequate care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum."

• Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) said:

“Maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the United States are unacceptable, and far higher than in other wealthy countries. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2023 addresses this urgent crisis that affects thousands of American parents every year. As many as 80% of maternal deaths are preventable with proper care and treatment."

Tell your reps to support or oppose this bill

—Emma Kansiz 

(Photo Credit: Canva)