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 Act 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 related to mental health or substance use. “Minority-serving institution” is defined by section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965. “Perinatal health worker” includes roles such as doulas, community health workers, lactation educators, and social workers. “Racial and ethnic minority group” is defined by section 1707(g) of the Public Health Service Act. “Risks associated with climate change” encompass issues like extreme heat, air pollution, and extreme weather events impacting maternal and infant health. “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. “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 eligible consortia, referred to as 'covered entities,' on a competitive basis, up to 10 entities. 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 will prioritize grant recipients serving counties designated as nonattainment areas for air pollutants, with high social vulnerability, or facing climate-sensitive hazards. Grant funds can be used for initiatives like training healthcare providers, providing direct financial assistance, and supporting access to resources like air conditioning and housing assistance. Grants will be disbursed over four fiscal years. Recipients must submit annual reports summarizing activities, data, and feedback, which will be published publicly. The Secretary will submit a report to Congress within five years evaluating the program's effectiveness and recommending 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 to provide funds to 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. Grant applications must describe how schools will engage with vulnerable individuals and stakeholder organizations. Schools must also ensure programs address racial and ethnic disparities related to climate change risks. Grant funds can be used to develop curriculum and continuing education on topics including risk identification, patient counseling, and mitigation strategies. Schools may partner with various entities, including state health departments and health care organizations, to carry out program activities. Recipients must submit annual and final reports to the Secretary detailing program activities. The Secretary is required 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, and other programs determined appropriate by the Secretary. The program is authorized to receive $5,000,000 for 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. 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 for vulnerable individuals, particularly disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups and other underserved populations. The Consortium will also identify gaps in data and research collaborations, and funding opportunities for community-based organizations and researchers from diverse backgrounds. It is required to increase public awareness of climate change risks for vulnerable individuals and publish annual reports on a public NIH website. The Consortium's membership will include representatives from specified NIH institutes and centers, as determined by the Director. The Director will designate a Chairperson from among the appointed representatives. The Consortium must consult with relevant federal agencies, stakeholder organizations, health care 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?

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to develop a strategy for designating areas at high risk of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes due to climate change. The strategy must identify areas where vulnerable individuals face these risks, considering factors like disease incidence, healthcare access, language proficiency, health insurance status, socioeconomic factors, and access to essential resources. The Secretary must incorporate existing mapping tools, data sources, and monitoring networks, and identify gaps in these resources. The strategy should outline funding needs for establishing and enhancing monitoring networks, and potential uses for collected data. Development of the strategy requires coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as consultation with various stakeholders. A public notice and comment period of at least 90 days will precede the publication of the strategy.

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Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act

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

Author: Edward Markey (D-MA)

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 and social vulnerability.
It creates a grant program to fund health profession schools in developing and integrating climate change risk education and training into their curricula.
The bill establishes an NIH Consortium to coordinate research on the impact of climate change on birth outcomes, focusing on disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups.
It directs the Department 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 bill authorizes $5,000,000 annually from 2027 through 2030 to support climate change education and training programs at health profession schools.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8397(In Committee)Official page

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

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