A bipartisan bill introduced on March 6 by U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Kat Cammack (R-FL) would reauthorize support for state-based maternal mortality review committees.
The Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2025, H.R. 1909, also would direct the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to disseminate best practices on maternal mortality prevention to hospitals, state-based professional societies, and perinatal quality collaboratives, according to the text of the bill.
“I’m proud to work with my bipartisan congressional colleagues on [this bill], which would improve healthcare outcomes for mothers at all stages of pregnancy,” said Rep. Carter, who sponsored H.R. 1909. “Georgians are severely impacted by our nation’s alarming and preventable maternal mortality crisis, and this bill will help ensure that all families have access to lifesaving health care resources.”
Five original cosponsors joined Rep. Carter in proposing H.R. 1909, including Rep. Cammack and U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), to address disparities in maternal health and find solutions to enhance healthcare quality and outcomes for mothers.
The measure would authorize $100 million for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 under the Public Health Service Act. This proposed amount would be a substantial increase over the $58 million authorized for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, according to the bill’s text.
“This bipartisan legislation renews our commitment to addressing maternal mortality by supporting Maternal Mortality Review Committees, fostering better data collection, and equipping healthcare providers with evidence-based best practices,” Rep. Cammack said. “Every mother deserves access to safe, high-quality care throughout her pregnancy and beyond. I urge swift passage to make meaningful progress in saving lives and strengthening families.”
H.R. 1909 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.
“The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income nation, and the data bears out that women and families of color are particularly vulnerable,” said Rep. DeGette. “Eighty percent of maternal deaths are preventable, but we cannot address a problem when we do not know the root causes, which is why the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act is so important. We must continue to address this crisis so that every woman receives the quality care she needs, helping her and her baby live healthy and happy lives.”