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Congresswoman Manning Introduces New Bill to Expand Access to Maternal Health Care

February 7, 2022

The Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid Act will address the maternal mortality crisis in the United States.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06) is introducing new legislation to expand access to vital health services during and after pregnancy for people with Medicaid coverage, to advance reproductive and maternal health justice, and to save lives. The Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid Act would increase the federal reimbursement rate for states that increase their spending on maternal health services under Medicaid. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, disproportionately impacting Black women, Native women, women in rural communities, and people with low incomes. And yet, 60 percent of all pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Having access to maternal care was critical when I experienced severe health complications while pregnant with my third child. I’m introducing this legislation so that all people with Medicaid coverage can access the care they need, during and after pregnancy, to be healthy and make the best decisions for themselves and their families,” said Congresswoman Manning. “My bill will confront the maternal mortality crisis and reduce stark racial, ethnic, and income-based disparities in health outcomes for women across the United States.”   

“We applaud Rep. Manning for this innovative legislation to advance equity in maternal care. This bill will help people choose and receive the quality care that is best for them and their family by expanding critical, holistic maternal health services. We know that Black and Brown women, LGBTQ people, and those with low incomes have not been able to access quality maternal care for far too long. The National Partnership is proud to endorse this bill to help remedy that inequity and improve maternal health outcomes for millions," said Sinsi Hernández-Cancio, Vice President for Health Justice, National Partnership for Women & Families.

“The National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC) applauds Congresswoman Manning for her introduction of the Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid Act. The ongoing Black maternal health crisis requires strong legislation that addresses hundreds of years of systemic racism. This bill is a step in the right direction to achieve birth equity, so that our communities have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of joy and justice,” said Dr. Joia Crear Perry, Founder and President of the National Birth Equity Collaborative.

The Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid is endorsed by the National Partnership for Women & Families, the National Birth Equity Collaborative, Families USA, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda, the Black Women’s Health Imperative, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, and the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs. 

The Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid Act is cosponsored by Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), Karen Bass (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Grace Meng (D-NY), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).

Read the bill text here.

Issues:Health