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Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023

Floor Speech

Date: March 5, 2024
Location: Washington, DC

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Ms. SCHRIER. DeGette).

Mr. Speaker, the United States faces a significant crisis with one of the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates among developed nations.

According to the most recent data, in 2021, more than 1,200 women died as a result of pregnancy or childbirth, continuing an upward trend over nearly 20 years.

Racial disparities in maternal outcomes continue with Black and indigenous women dying at three times the rate of White women.

Additionally, rural areas experience higher rates of maternal mortality compared to urban areas, and yet, experts and research using the Maternal Mortality Review Committee data indicates that at least 80 percent of maternal mortalities are preventable.

H.R. 3838, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023, is bipartisan legislation to reauthorize support for State-based Maternal Mortality Review Committees until 2028. These committees play a critical role in reviewing pregnancy-related deaths to identify causes and make recommendations for the prevention of future mortalities in their State. The legislation also requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC, to work with HRSA, the Health Resources and Services Administration, to share best practices to prevent maternal mortality with hospitals and healthcare providers.

Enacting this legislation will provide the needed ongoing support of Maternal Mortality Review Committees, ultimately enhancing the safety of women throughout their pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experiences while reducing racial disparities and outcomes.

The legislation is supported by over 85 organizations across the healthcare spectrum. I am pleased that it is before us today, and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important bill.

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Ms. SCHRIER. Castor).

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Ms. SCHRIER. Kelly).

I am so pleased this bill is before us today. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this very important bill that will save lives.

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