Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1599

Introduced
5/15/23  

Caption

Data to Save Moms Act

Impact

If enacted, SB1599 would encourage states and tribal entities to establish maternal mortality review committees equipped with funding to increase diversity and community representation. This will likely foster a more inclusive atmosphere as these committees assess and review cases of maternal mortality, ensuring that the unique circumstances surrounding individuals from various backgrounds are considered. Furthermore, the bill mandates the collection of more granular data concerning maternal health, facilitating focused research into the social determinants affecting maternal outcomes.

Summary

SB1599, known as the 'Data to Save Moms Act', aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish grants promoting representative community engagement within maternal mortality review committees. The intent of the bill is to enhance the inclusion of community voices, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority groups, in the review of maternal health outcomes. This legislation highlights the pressing issue of maternal mortality in the United States, particularly among marginalized populations, and seeks to improve the effectiveness of maternal health services through targeted community involvement.

Contention

While the bill is generally supported for addressing significant health disparities, there are underlying concerns regarding how effectively it can be implemented. Stakeholders are divided on the potential for bureaucratic challenges or funding issues to hinder these efforts. Critics worry that despite the good intentions of the proposed legislation, the actual impact on maternal health outcomes may be limited if the necessary infrastructures and training for committee members are not adequately established. Ensuring that maternal mortality review committees adapt to rapidly varying community needs while being financially supported is crucial for the success of SB1599.

Companion Bills

US SB1606

Related Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act

US HB3320

Related Data to Save Moms Act

US HB3305

Related Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act

Similar Bills

US SB1605

Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act

US HB3304

Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act

US HB6004

MOMMIES Act Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services Act

US HB4605

Healthy Moms and Babies Act

US SB964

Mothers and Newborns Success Act

US HB5866

SAFE in Recovery Act Substance Use Disorder and Family Engagement in Recovery Act

US SB76

Standing with Moms Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to disseminate information about pregnancy-related resources. Specifically, HHS must maintain a public website (life.gov) that lists such resources that are available through federal, state, and local governments and private entities. Additionally, HHS must maintain on its website a portal that provides a user, based on the user's responses to a series of questions, tailored information about pregnancy resources available in the user's zip code and risks related to abortion. HHS must develop a plan to conduct follow-up outreach to users of the portal (if the user consents to the outreach). States must recommend resources that meet criteria set by HHS for including through the portal. HHS may award grants to states to establish or support a system that aggregates resources to include on the portal. Further, the Health Resources and Services Administration must share information about life.gov and the portal through the Maternal Mental Health Hotline. HHS must also ensure that the life.gov website and hotline are available to families who speak languages other than English. The bill excludes from life.gov, the portal, and the hotline resources provided by entities that (1) perform, induce, refer for, or counsel in favor of abortions; or (2) financially support such entities. The bill also requires HHS to report on traffic to life.gov and the portal, gaps in services available to pregnant and postpartum individuals, and related matters.

US HR395

Recognizing the work and contributions of doulas towards improving pregnancy, birth, and postpartum outcomes.