This week’s introduction of the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023 is being lauded by health equity proponents for its design to make greater strides in boosting the quality and outcomes of health care for women. The legislation comes on the heels of heightened needs of states to support health care for mothers across the cycle of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
From a geographic standpoint, the research is clear that U.S. women experience a higher incidence of pregnancy-associated complications and deaths than mothers in other high income nations. Moreover, Black women have a three times more likely chance of dying as a result of the pregnancy cycle than mothers of other races.
As the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act of 2018 put in place an initial platform to support mothers throughout the stages of pregnancy, this reauthorization would expand upon that foundation. One example is support that would be provided to states in the form of Maternal Mortality Review Committees, which play a key role in enhancing health outcomes for women by, among other measures, furthering knowledge as to the causes of maternal deaths so that they can be avoided.
The movement of this bill through Congress will be watched closely by the U.S. health equity community, as it seeks swift passage to ensure enhanced outcomes for material health. The full text of the legislation can be read here.
