A bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers, including Sen. Chuck Grassley and Rep. Ashley Hinson from Iowa, have introduced new legislation in an effort to combat the frequency of stillbirths among rural and minority populations. The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act aims to amend Title V of the Social Security Act to allow federal funds to be used for research and initiatives focused on preventing stillbirths. Sen. Grassley supported the bill, saying, “Given the advanced technologies and treatments we have today, the high rate of stillbirths occurring in our country is indefensible. Stillbirths are devastating losses that far too many families experience, and they are often avoidable. That’s why I introduced my bipartisan Healthy Moms and Babies Act in the spring, and it’s why I support this bill. It unlocks existing – and critical – federal resources for the medical community to save babies’ lives and improve pre-natal care and outcomes for expectant moms.” The U.S. records approximately 21,000 stillbirths annually. Recent data suggest that nearly 25 percent of these cases may be preventable. Hinson says, “My heart breaks for any mother and family that has endured the tragedy of stillbirth, the unexpected loss of a baby after 20 or more weeks of pregnancy. Improving access to maternal care – especially in rural areas where women may have to drive an hour or more to see an OBGYN – is critical to preventing stillbirths and reducing maternal mortality. Our bipartisan bill will help ensure expecting moms can receive quality pre-natal care and save lives.” The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act has garnered support from several senators, including Angus King (I-Maine), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and others, highlighting the bipartisan nature of this issue. The bill’s full text is included below.
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