As the United States continues to experience the highest rate of maternal mortality in the developed world, U.S. Reps. Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Buddy Carter (R-GA) are addressing the crisis through the introduction of a bipartisan bill that aims to protect the nation’s mothers and babies.
“The tragedy of preventable pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated deaths demands a commitment to ensuring quality care to mothers throughout the pregnancy, including the post-partum period,” said Rep. Burgess. “With close to three decades of experience as an OB/GYN, I firmly believe America should move towards eradicating all avoidable maternal deaths — a single loss is one too many.”
“Improving health outcomes for all patients, especially mothers, has been my mission since day one in Congress,” Rep. Carter said. “The nation’s maternal mortality crisis, which severely impacts Georgians, is alarming and preventable.”
Rep. Burgess on June 6 sponsored the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023, H.R. 3838, with five original cosponsors, including Rep. Carter and U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), to ensure the U.S. can invest and support state Maternal Mortality Review Committees to examine pregnancy-related deaths.
If enacted, the measure also would disseminate best practices to healthcare providers, including hospitals, and perinatal quality collaboratives, among others, on ways to prevent maternal deaths and illness.
“I’m proud to work with my congressional colleagues on the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023 so that we can implement policies that give mothers the best healthcare outcomes possible,” said Rep. Carter.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the March of Dimes support H.R. 3838, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.
“We are facing a maternal health crisis in this country and it’s imperative that we take steps now to address it,” Rep. DeGette said. “This legislation will provide critical resources to better protect women throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. It will help save lives and ensure we are providing the best care possible to mothers throughout this country.”