January 23 will now hold national significance as Maternal Health Awareness Day, following the introduction of a bipartisan resolution by U.S. Senators Katie Britt, R-Ala., Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Andy Kim, D-N.J,. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about maternal health outcomes and promote initiatives to address disparities in maternal care across the United States.
“Improving maternal care is not a red or blue issue. It’s an American issue,” Senator Britt said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing National Maternal Health Awareness Day, while acknowledging we have more work to do to reduce maternal mortality. I will continue to work across the aisle with my colleagues to improve health outcomes for women throughout their pregnancy journeys and support moms across our nation.”
The resolution comes amid alarming statistics that highlight the maternal health crisis in the United States. Despite spending more on health care than any other country, the U.S. leads its peer nations in maternal mortality rates. As many as 60,000 women suffer from severe maternal morbidity each year, and one-third of maternal deaths occur between one week and one year postpartum.
Senator Booker underscored the urgency of addressing these issues. “The United States spends more on health care than any other country, but we still have the highest rate of maternal mortality among our peer countries,” said Booker. “It’s disheartening that Congress has failed to pass comprehensive federal legislation to protect mothers and their babies, and ensure moms receive the essential care they need throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys. I remain committed to working across the aisle to create and implement effective policies that address the maternal mortality crisis and promote equitable maternal health care across our nation.”
Senator Kim emphasized the moral imperative to protect mothers and families. “In a country of such great wealth and power, it is heartbreaking that we continue to let down expecting mothers who deserve to feel safe and supported,” he said. “The pain of our country’s maternal mortality crisis is felt harshly in New Jersey, disproportionately hurting Black women and devastating too many families. With this resolution, I don’t just stand for awareness but call on my colleagues in Congress to see this urgency, understand the vast majority of maternal deaths are preventable, and help push forward on tangible action to protect lives and be there for growing families.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists praised the resolution, with President Stella Dantas, MD, FACOG, noting its importance in raising awareness and driving policy changes. “As the maternal health crisis in the U.S. continues, it’s critical to continue to shine a spotlight and bring national attention to the importance of prioritizing maternal health,” said Dr. Dantas. “ACOG is grateful to Senator Booker and Senator Britt for their support in making sure that across the country, people learn about Maternal Health Awareness Day and understand the need for policies that will empower us to make a meaningful difference to improve maternal health outcomes.”
Senator Britt has made health care, including maternal care, a top legislative priority. She joined former Senator Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., in introducing the NIH IMPROVE Act last Congress, which would provide consistent support and resources for the National Institutes of Health’s Implementing a Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) Initiative. This initiative is aimed at continuing vital research to develop evidence-based solutions for America’s maternal mortality crisis.
Additionally, Senator Britt played a key role in advocating for and securing committee passage of a $20 million increase for the NIH IMPROVE Initiative in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. With her support, the total funding allocated for the NIH IMPROVE Initiative in the committee’s bill would rise to $73.4 million for FY25, marking a significant step forward in addressing the nation’s maternal health challenges.
The bipartisan resolution underscores the need for comprehensive action to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce preventable deaths, while acknowledging the work still required to ensure equitable and accessible care for all mothers in the United States.
