Bill to Address Maternal Health

The bill “Data Mapping to Save Moms’ Lives Act” was introduced in January on Capitol Hill to address the Maternal Health Crisis by using technology. The bill would use data mapping to identify areas of the country where high rates of poor maternal health overlap with a lack of broadband access. 

The bill was introduced by Representatives G.K Butterfield (D-NC), along with Greg Gianforte (R-MT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del), Susan Brooks, (R-IN), and Robin Kelly (D-IL). Representative Gianforte points out that across the country, advances in telehealth are showing promising results in patient outcomes and the expansion of these effort will be an important first step in addressing the maternal health crisis.”

“Indiana rates third highest in the nation for maternal mortality with 33 counties that either don’t have a hospital or the hospital provides no obstetrician-gynecologist services,” said Representative Susan Books. “The legislation demonstrates Congress’s commitment to further address maternal mortality and to ensure that expectant mothers across the country will have better access to care thanks to the benefits telehealth services can provide.”

Go to https://www.congress.gov for more information.