What does Preamble of Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To protect Moms and babies against climate change, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act

What does DEFINITIONS. of Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Adverse maternal and infant health outcomes” includes preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, infant or maternal mortality, and severe maternal morbidity. “Institution of higher education” is defined by section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965. “Maternal mortality” refers to deaths during or within a year after pregnancy related to childbirth complications, including those stemming from mental health or substance use disorders. “Minority-serving institution” is defined by section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965. “Perinatal health worker” encompasses various nonclinical roles focused on maternal or perinatal health, such as doulas and community health workers. “Racial and ethnic minority group” is defined in section 1707(g)(1) of the Public Health Service Act. “Risks associated with climate change” include those related to extreme heat, air pollution, and extreme weather events. “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. “Severe maternal morbidity” includes health conditions, including mental health and substance use disorders, resulting from pregnancy or childbirth with significant consequences. “Stakeholder organization” includes community-based, nonprofit, and patient advocacy organizations with expertise in relevant areas. “Vulnerable individual” includes pregnant individuals, those recently pregnant, and individuals under 3 years of age.

What does GRANT PROGRAM TO PROTECT VULNERABLE MOTHERS AND BABIES FROM of Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act do?

This section establishes a grant program to protect vulnerable individuals from risks associated with climate change. The Secretary will award grants to up to 10 'covered entities' on a competitive basis. Covered entities must submit applications detailing plans for using grant funds, targeting geographic areas with high climate change risks, and addressing racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. The Secretary must select grant recipients within 270 days of the Act's enactment, consulting with various agencies and stakeholders. Priority will be given to entities serving counties designated as nonattainment areas for air pollutants, with high social vulnerability, or facing climate-related risks. Grant funds can be used for initiatives like training healthcare providers, providing direct financial assistance, and supporting access to resources like air conditioning and cooling shelters. Grants will be disbursed over four fiscal years. Covered entities must submit annual reports detailing activities, data, and feedback, which will be published publicly. A report to Congress will assess the program's effectiveness and recommend potential expansions.

What does GRANT PROGRAM FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING AT HEALTH PROFESSION of Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act do?

This section establishes a grant program within the Department of Health and Human Services to fund health profession schools. The program aims to support the development and integration of education and training programs focused on identifying and addressing climate change risks for vulnerable individuals. Health profession schools are eligible to apply for grants and must demonstrate engagement with vulnerable individuals and stakeholder organizations. Grant funds must be used to develop and integrate training on identifying risks, understanding their effects, addressing disparities, and providing patient counseling related to climate change. Schools may partner with various entities, including public health departments, healthcare organizations, and other educational institutions, to carry out program activities. Recipients are required to submit annual and final reports to the Secretary detailing program activities. The Secretary is mandated to submit a report to Congress summarizing program outcomes and providing recommendations for improvement. The term 'health profession school' includes medical schools, nursing schools, midwifery programs, physician assistant education programs, teaching hospitals, residency/fellowship programs, and other programs determined appropriate by the Secretary. The Act authorizes $5,000,000 for the program from fiscal years 2027 through 2030.

What does NIH CONSORTIUM ON BIRTH AND CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH. of Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act do?

This section establishes the NIH Consortium on Birth and Climate Change Research within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Consortium's duties include coordinating research on climate change risks for vulnerable individuals across NIH institutes, centers, and offices. Research priorities will focus on identifying risks associated with climate change for vulnerable individuals, particularly disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups and other underserved populations. The Consortium will also identify gaps in data, research collaboration opportunities, and funding opportunities for community-based organizations and researchers from diverse backgrounds. It is required to increase public awareness related to climate change risks and publish annual reports on its work and findings on the NIH website. The Consortium's membership will include representatives from specified NIH institutes and centers, appointed by the Director. The Director will designate a Chairperson from among the appointed representatives. The Consortium must consult with relevant federal agencies, stakeholder organizations, healthcare providers, state and local public health departments, and institutions of higher education.

What does STRATEGY FOR IDENTIFYING CLIMATE CHANGE RISK ZONES FOR of Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act do?

The Secretary of Health and Human Services must develop a strategy to identify areas with high risk of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes due to climate change. The strategy must consider factors such as air pollution, extreme heat, and socioeconomic status. The Secretary must coordinate with other agencies and consult with stakeholders, including healthcare providers and community organizations. A notice and comment period is required before the strategy is published. The strategy must be published on a public website within 18 months of enactment.

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Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act

Last updated: 4/21/2026 · Introduced: 4/21/2026

Author: Lauren Underwood (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a grant program to protect vulnerable mothers and babies from climate change-related health risks, prioritizing areas with high air pollution, social vulnerability, or climate risks.
The legislation creates a grant program to fund health profession schools in developing and integrating climate change risk training into their curricula.
It establishes an NIH Consortium to coordinate research on the impact of climate change on birth outcomes, focusing on disparities among minority groups and underserved populations.
The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a strategy for identifying geographic areas at high risk for adverse maternal and infant health outcomes due to climate change.
The Act authorizes $5,000,000 from fiscal years 2027 through 2030 to support climate change education and training programs within health profession schools.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4356(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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