Legislation Endorsed by AABC

BABIES Act (S. 5262)

The BABIES Act, known as “Better Availability of Birth Centers Improves Outcomes and Expands Savings Act, would establish demonstration model birth centers in 6 states. The demonstration would be of prospective payment for the birth center facility and professional services for Medicaid clients.  These birth centers would be located in areas with existing disparities of access and outcomes and would help address the challenges of maternity care deserts.

A new provision of the BABIES Act would expand access to birth centers by providing grants administered by HRSA for start-up funding for birth centers. This funding could be used toward costs related to renovation or construction of buildings, equipment purchase, or costs related to accreditation or licensure.

Learn more about the BABIES Act

Midwives for MOMS Act (H.R. 3768/S. 1851)

Will increase access to evidence-based and culturally congruent maternity care as provided by Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), Certified Midwives (CMs), and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) by establishing two new funding streams for midwifery education: one in the Title VII Health Professions Training Programs, and one in the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs. Additionally, the bill will address the significant lack of diversity in the maternity care workforce by prioritizing students from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds.

Learn more about the Midwives for MOMS Act

Midwives for Service Members Act (H.R. 9335)

This legislation would increase access to maternity care for service members by extending TRICARE coverage to additional types of certified midwives through a 5-year pilot program.

Learn more about the Midwives for Service Members Act

Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R.3305/S.1606)

Builds on existing legislation to comprehensively address every dimension of the maternal health crisis in America. It includes the following individual bills:

1. Social Determinants for Moms - Will make critical investments in social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition.
2. Extending WIC for New Moms - Will extend WIC eligibility for new moms from 6 to 24 months.
3. Honoring Kira Johnson - Will provide funding to community-based organizations that are working to improve maternal health outcomes and promote equity.
4. Maternal Health for Veterans - Will provide support for maternity health care and coordinator programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
5. Perinatal Workforce - Will grow and diversify the perinatal workforce to ensure that every mom in America receives culturally congruent maternity care and support.
6. Data to Save Moms - Will improve data collection processes and quality measures to better understand the causes of the maternal health crisis in the United States and inform solutions to address it.
7. Moms Matter - Will support moms with maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
8. Justice for Incarcerated Moms - Will improve maternal health care and support for incarcerated moms.
9. Tech to Save Moms - Will invest in digital tools like telehealth to improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas.
10. IMPACT to Save Moms - Will promote innovative payment models to incentivize high-quality maternity care and non-clinical perinatal support.
11. Maternal Health Pandemic Response - Will invest in federal programs to address the unique risks for and effects of COVID-19 during and after pregnancy and to advance respectful maternity care in future public health emergencies.
12. Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change - Will invest in community-based initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure to climate change-related risks for moms and babies.
13. Maternal Vaccination Awareness and Equity Campaign - Will promote maternal vaccinations to protect the health and safety of moms and babies