The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations, with 32 moms losing their lives for every 100,000 births.
At the same time, data from the CDC suggests that more than 80% of those deaths are preventable.
The problem: Too many moms in rural Iowa and across the country can’t access the care they need for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
🏥 33 of Iowa’s 99 counties are maternity care deserts
👶 More than 400,000 babies are born each year in areas lacking full maternity care access
💸 Families have to pay an average of $2,800 out-of-pocket for pregnancy-related care
The solution: We just introduced the bipartisan HEALTH for MOM Act to expand access to maternity care for women in the areas most underserved by the current system.
The bill directs states to build maternal health homes — coordinated care systems that help expecting mothers access local, community-based support, reduce ER visits, and improve long-term outcomes.
Bottom Line: Iowa moms deserve better. This bill puts the focus where it should be — on healthy moms, healthy babies, and stronger families.