Schakowsky Reintroduces Legislation to Address Black Maternal Health Disparities
Full Text of Bill (PDF) | One Page Summary of Bill (PDF)
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and a Founding Member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, introduced the Innovative Maternal Payment And Coverage To (IMPACT To) Save Moms Act. This legislation was reintroduced as part of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Package, a suite of bills aimed at addressing the Black maternal health crisis.
“The United States of America is the richest country in the world at the richest time in history and yet Black women are still three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. We must act immediately to ensure that all people receive not only quality care, but also equitable care,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “I am proud to reintroduce the IMPACT to Save Moms Act, which would create new maternity care payment models and ensure continuous health insurance coverage for pregnant women. Innovative payment models and continuous health insurance coverage are critical for guaranteeing that women have access to timely diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment before, during, and after pregnancy.”
The IMPACT to Save Moms Act establishes a new Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center demonstration project to transform maternity care delivery and develops strategies to ensure continuity of health insurance coverage for women from prenatal care to one-year postpartum.
The legislation was introduced as part of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2023, led by U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Alma Adams (NC-12), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). This package would make investments in social determinants of health, community-based organizations, the growth and diversification of the perinatal workforce, improvements in data collection, and support for moms and babies exposed to climate change-related risks.
“To save moms’ lives and end the maternal health crisis in our country, we need urgent action,” said Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. “We know what’s needed to end this crisis, and the tools to get it done are within reach. The Momnibus is the solution, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Representative Alma Adams and Senator Cory Booker to make the investments we need to solve our country’s maternal health crisis.”
“Maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the United States are unacceptable, and far higher than in other wealthy countries. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2023 addresses this urgent crisis that affects thousands of American parents every year,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “As many as 80% of maternal deaths are preventable with proper care and treatment. The Momnibus makes over $1 billion in historic investments in the health and care of moms. It is nothing short of a game-changer for Black mothers as well as every parent bringing a child into the world. Now more than ever, it is critical we pass the Momnibus and make sure no child grows up without a parent. As a Black mother and grandmother, take it from me: Black mamas can't wait!”
“The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of industrialized nations, and the rate is only rising. The data is even more concerning for Black moms,” said Senator Cory Booker. “No one deserves to be left behind by the health care system or face inadequate care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. This legislation is a critical step towards saving lives, ending disparities in health care and outcomes, and ensuring our health care system treats all moms with the care and dignity they deserve regardless of their race or circumstance. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that would address the drivers of the maternal health crisis, invest in social determinants of health, and ensure comprehensive support for all people. It's time to prioritize the well-being of all, eliminate racial and ethnic disparities for Black and Brown moms, and create a brighter and healthier future for all families.”
The IMPACT to Save Moms Act already has 97 original cosponsors in the House of Representatives. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The bill has been endorsed by more than 180 leading maternal health organizations. Click here for the full list of endorsements.
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