Underwood Reintroduces Bills to Address Maternal Health Crisis

WASHINGTON DC — U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood and others in the House and Senate have reintroduced the Momnibus, a package of 14 bills designed to address maternal mortality, illness, and health disparities in the United States. The legislation seeks to expand access to care, improve maternal mental health services, grow and diversify the health care workforce, and increase funding for community based programs. Supporters say the effort comes as the United States continues to have the highest maternal mortality rate among high income countries, with Black women facing higher risks of death and complications. The bills also focus on improving data collection, investing in research, lowering costs, and addressing social factors such as housing, transportation, and nutrition.