Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1605

Introduced
5/15/23  

Caption

Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act

Impact

This legislation has the potential to reshape public health policy, particularly concerning how data is collected and shared across states. It will enhance the CDC’s capacity to monitor maternal health by funding the creation of regionally based centers that support healthcare providers, especially in high-need areas. Additionally, the bill mandates that public health campaigns provide accurate information tailored to underserved communities, thus addressing systematic inequities in maternal care access and Quality.

Summary

SB1605, known as the Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act, aims to improve maternal health outcomes by authorizing funds for data collection, surveillance, and research during public health emergencies. The bill designates $100 million to the CDC for its program addressing emerging threats to mothers and babies, which includes partnerships with state and local health departments to track health data specifically related to maternal and infant outcomes during crises like pandemics. By focusing on racial and ethnic disparities, the legislation seeks to build a more responsive public health infrastructure.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB1605 may arise from concerns about the balance of state and federal powers in managing public health data, especially regarding privacy and data security. Some may argue against federal oversight, fearing it could lead to one-size-fits-all approaches that do not consider local needs. Additionally, the bill highlights the importance of culturally competent care, which may generate discussions on how to best implement training and support for healthcare providers, particularly in diverse communities. There may also be debates surrounding funding allocations, prioritizing underserved populations' specific needs in maternal health care.

Companion Bills

US SB1606

Related Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act

US HB3304

Related Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act

US HB3305

Related Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act

Similar Bills

US HB3304

Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act

US SB1599

Data to Save Moms Act

US HB4605

Healthy Moms and Babies Act

US HB6004

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

US HB5866

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

US SB964

Mothers and Newborns Success Act

US HR395

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

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.