Legislation Endorsed by AABC

BABIES Act (S. 1598)

This legislation would increase access to high-quality birth center care by establishing a demonstration in six states of a prospective payment model for the birth center facility and professional services for Medicaid clients. These birth centers would be located in areas with an existing lack of access and poor outcomes and would help address the challenges of maternity care deserts.

The BABIES Act would also provide grants administered by HRSA for start-up funding for birth centers. This funding could be used toward costs for renovation or construction of buildings, equipment purchase, or costs related to accreditation or licensure.  Increasing the numbers of birth centers and the sustainability of existing birth centers will serve to improve access to high quality care at a time when the U.S is experiencing growing shortages of maternal health care facilities and providers.

Learn more about the BABIES Act

Midwives for MOMS Act (S. 1599)

This bill would increase address the growing maternity care provider shortage, to improve outcomes for mothers and babies and reduce disparities, and to reduce costs for families and state/ federal governments,  by expanding educational opportunities for midwives.  The bill will establish 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 rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Learn more about the Midwives for MOMS Act

MIDWIVES for Service Members Act (H.R. 3202)

This bill would increase access to maternity care for service members and their spouses by extending TRICARE coverage to additional nationally certified midwives through a five- year pilot program. Military hospitals in some areas are closing their maternity units, forcing active-duty service members and their spouses/partners to seek care at other facilities.  This necessitates driving long distances for care in some areas.  Currently, only CNMs are authorized as midwifery providers for TRICARE.  Adding CPMs and CMS as authorized providers would increase access to birth centers and midwifery care. Expanding midwives who can provide care under TRICARE will improve readiness and retention for our military families.

Learn more about the Midwives for Service Members Act

Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act

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

Learn more about the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act