Bucshon introduces bill to improve maternal health outcomes

U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) on July 9 cosponsored bipartisan legislation to improve both maternal health and obstetric care in rural areas.

“I applaud this bipartisan legislation, which will benefit patients and communities that are currently struggling by providing them with the support and training they so desperately need,” said Rep. Bucshon, “and by helping ensure that women in rural areas can have access to maternal health providers.”

The Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act, H.R. 4387, which Rep. Bucshon introduced with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) and other cosponsors including U.S. Reps. Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Bob Latta (R-OH), aims to reduce the rate of maternal deaths in America, where an estimated 700 pregnancy-related deaths occur per year with 60 percent considered preventable. 

The crisis is most severe for black mothers in America, who are dying at three to four times the rate of their white counterparts, according to information provided by Rep. Bucshon’s office.

“Indiana has an unacceptably high maternal mortality rate statewide, possessing the third-worst rate in the country,” Rep. Bucshon said. “It is vital that we improve maternal mortality rates, especially in rural America, by providing the necessary resources to stop preventable maternal mortality.”

If enacted, H.R. 4387 would implement evidence-based best practices and policies within the medical community to improve maternal health outcomes; support health professional training programs focused on biases that may affect the quality of maternal care for racial and ethnic groups; and provide funding to establish rural obstetric networks to improve birth outcomes and reduce maternal morbidity in rural areas, the information says.

“Not only does this legislation take an important step towards providing American women and their families access to the proper care they need, but it also includes common-sense incentives for physicians to serve these areas,” said Rep. Burgess. “Being an OB-GYN, I can attest that this bill would benefit both the doctor and the patient. It’s a win, win for everyone.”

“In rural areas, like many parts of my district, it can be difficult for women to gain access to obstetric services they need before and after giving birth,” added Rep. Latta. “This legislation utilizes updated technology and training to better understand the root causes of maternity deaths and provides better care to expecting mothers. It is crucial that Congress take swift action to stop further pregnancy-related deaths.”

The Black Maternal Health Caucus, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the AIDS Alliance for Women, Infants, Children, Youth and Families, the American Psychiatric Association, the National Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, and the March of Dimes, among numerous other supporters, endorsed the bill.