What does Preamble of Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To authorize appropriations for data collection, surveillance, and research on maternal health outcomes during public health emergencies, and for other purposes.' The bill aims to authorize appropriations for data collection, surveillance, and research related to maternal health outcomes. The bill's focus is specifically on maternal health outcomes during public health emergencies.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act.

What does FUNDING FOR DATA COLLECTION, SURVEILLANCE, AND RESEARCH ON of Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations totaling $180,000,000 to support data collection, surveillance, and research on maternal health outcomes during public health emergencies and infectious diseases. Funding is allocated to four programs within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies program will receive $100,000,000 to provide guidance and support to families and healthcare providers, and establish regional centers of excellence. The Enhancing Reviews and Surveillance to Eliminate Maternal Mortality (ERASE MM) program will receive $30,000,000 to expand partnerships with states and tribes and provide technical assistance. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) will receive $45,000,000 to create a supplemental survey, add questions about respectful maternity care, and transition to an electronic platform. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development will receive $15,000,000 to conduct research on interventions to mitigate the effects of public health emergencies on maternal and infant health. A particular focus across these programs is on individuals from demographic groups with elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes.

What does PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY MATERNAL HEALTH DATA COLLECTION AND of Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act do?

This section mandates the public availability of data related to maternal and infant health outcomes during public health emergencies. The data to be made public includes diagnostic testing, confirmed cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and other health outcomes related to infectious disease outbreaks among pregnant and postpartum individuals. Data must be disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, primary language, geography, socioeconomic status, and other relevant factors. The Secretary is required to consult with Indian Tribes and Urban Indian organizations regarding data collection and guidance. Data updates are required at least monthly during public health emergencies and within one month after the emergency's end. The Secretary must protect individual privacy by de-identifying data and adhering to relevant privacy laws and regulations. Within 30 days of a public health emergency declaration, the Secretary must issue guidance to states and local health departments regarding data collection from laboratories.

What does PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNICATION REGARDING MATERNAL CARE DURING of Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act do?

This section requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct public health education campaigns during public health emergencies. These campaigns aim to provide accurate, evidence-based information on maternal and infant health risks. The campaigns should target pregnant and postpartum individuals, their employers, and their health care providers. A particular focus is placed on reaching pregnant and postpartum individuals in underserved communities.

What does TASK FORCE ON BIRTHING EXPERIENCE AND SAFE, RESPECTFUL, of Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act do?

This section establishes a Task Force on Birthing Experience and Safe, Respectful, Responsive, and Empowering Maternity Care During Public Health Emergencies. The Task Force will develop and publicly post Federal recommendations regarding respectful, responsive, and empowering maternity care, including safe birth care and postpartum care, during public health emergencies. These recommendations will focus on improving maternal health outcomes, particularly for individuals from demographic groups with elevated rates of maternal mortality and disparities. The recommendations will address various aspects of maternity care, including telehealth, specialized care, diagnostic testing, birthing options, newborn separation, breast milk feeding, midwife licensure and reimbursement, perinatal health worker support, doula coverage, mental and behavioral health, intimate partner violence, hospital capacity, child care services, racism and bias, and the needs of undocumented and uninsured individuals. The Task Force will also identify barriers to implementation, consider existing state programs, and identify policies to discontinue or continue as public health emergencies abate. The Task Force will be composed of representatives from various federal agencies, state and tribal public health officials, community-based organizations, maternity care providers, patients, and independent experts.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Culturally and linguistically congruent” refers to care aligned with a patient’s cultural values, beliefs, language, and practices. “Maternal mortality” is defined as a death within one year of pregnancy related to childbirth or pregnancy complications, including suicide or overdose. A “perinatal health worker” is a nonclinical worker focused on maternal or perinatal health, including doulas, community health workers, and lactation educators. The “postpartum period” is defined as the one-year period following the last day of pregnancy. A “public health emergency” is a declaration under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act. “Respectful maternity care” includes culturally and linguistically congruent care, maintaining dignity and privacy, ensuring freedom from harm, and enabling informed choice. “Severe maternal morbidity” refers to health conditions, including mental health and substance use disorders, resulting from pregnancy or childbirth with significant consequences.

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Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act

Last updated: 5/14/2026 · Introduced: 5/14/2026

Author: Lauren Underwood (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill authorizes $180 million in funding for the CDC and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to improve data collection, surveillance, and research on maternal health outcomes during public health emergencies.
It mandates the public release of disaggregated data on maternal and infant health outcomes during public health emergencies, ensuring privacy protections and consultation with tribal organizations.
The bill requires the CDC to conduct public health education campaigns targeting pregnant and postpartum individuals, employers, and healthcare providers during public health emergencies.
It establishes a task force to develop recommendations for safe, respectful, and empowering maternity care during public health emergencies, addressing various aspects from telehealth to addressing racism and bias.
The legislation defines key terms related to maternal health, including respectful maternity care, perinatal health workers, and the postpartum period, to ensure consistent understanding and application.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 7973(In Committee)Official page

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

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