In the U.S., the maternal health crisis particularly affects women of color and women living in rural areas. These groups experience worse maternal health outcomes, on average, when compared to other groups.

Despite these challenges, maternal mortality is preventable. Data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) indicates that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

The Healthy Moms and Babies Act (S. 948) will improve maternal and child health care by:

• Coordinating and providing “whole-person” care, supporting outcome-focused and community-based prevention, and supporting stillbirth prevention activities and expanding the maternal health workforce. 
• Modernizing maternal health care through telehealth to support women of color and women living in rural America.
• Reducing maternal mortality and high-risk pregnancies including C-section births, and improving our understanding of social determinants of health in pregnant and postpartum women.

“More often than not, maternal mortality is preventable with comprehensive health care. The Healthy Moms and Babies Act will provide comprehensive outcome-focused and community-based prevention and provide support to pregnant and postpartum women,” said Dr. Maria Padin, Chief Medical Officer for Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics / Southern Region. “When women can access timely health care and supportive services in pregnancy and postpartum, we will see better outcomes for both mother and their children. This is fundamental to population health.”

Please use our pre-drafted letter to urge your senator to co-sponsor and support S. 948. If they have already sponsored or co-sponsored the bill, you can send a message of thanks.