Rep Eshoo Delivers Strong Maternal Mortality Message With 4 Bills

PALO ALTO, CA — U.S. Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, the chairwoman of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, led a hearing Tuesday on four bills to lower America’s high maternal mortality rate.

Viewers may watch the Palo Alto Democrat's opening statement as listed.

"Each year, about 700 American women die and 50,000 women are severely injured due to complications related to childbirth," Eshoo said. "This is unacceptable. A high maternal death rate is a reflection of how society values women. As the first chairwoman of the Health Subcommittee, it’s time for Congress to reverse this trend by shaping a health system that better cares for women. Today, we considered bipartisan legislation to ensure women receive high quality care and coverage before, during and after their pregnancy."

The subcommittee considered four bills to extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers, share best practices, support integrated care and conduct implicit bias and cultural competency training for health professionals. The four bills under consideration were H.R. 1897, the Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Awareness Act introduced by Rep. Kelly, D-IL; H.R. 1551, the Quality Care for Moms and Babies Act introduced by Rep. Engel, D-NY, and Rep. Stivers, R-OH); and H.R. 2902, the Maternal Care Access and Reducing Emergencies Act introduced by Rep. Adams, D-NC; and H.R. 2602, the Healthy MOMMIES Act introduced by Rep. Pressley, D-MA).