Gillibrand, Marshall, Baldwin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Strengthen Maternal And Infant Health

Gillibrand, Marshall, Baldwin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Strengthen Maternal And Infant Health

Feb 11, 2026

New York Receives Over $5 Million Annually For Its Healthy Start Programs, Which Are Located in Syracuse, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island

U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Healthy Start Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Healthy Start program - a critical federal initiative that supports community-based efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy.

Healthy Start provides targeted funding to communities experiencing disproportionately high rates of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes, including infant mortality rates at least 1.5 times the national average, as well as elevated rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal illness.

"More people in the United States die from pregnancy-related complications than in any of our peer countries. This is outrageous and downright shameful. We must do more to support women at every step of their maternal health journey," said Senator Gillibrand. "Our Healthy Start Reauthorization Act would continue support for these essential programs that help close persistent racial and geographic disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. Healthy Start programs are making a real difference for families in New York and across the country. I'm proud to fight to ensure mothers and infants have the support they need, regardless of race or zip code."

"As an OB-GYN, I've cared for mothers and babies at their most vulnerable moments, and I've seen how the right support can make all the difference for both,"said Senator Marshall. "Healthy Start connects moms with the care, education, and resources they need during pregnancy and after birth, while helping babies get a healthy, strong start in life. By partnering with trusted local organizations in Kansas, this program delivers real results for families."

"We know healthy pregnancies set up moms and babies for success long term, but that reality is too far out of reach for too many families in Wisconsin," said Senator Baldwin. "I'm proud to support Healthy Start which invests in local organizations across the country who break down barriers for new and expecting mothers - from making sure moms and babies' basic needs are met to educating more people on how to keep their families safe and well."

"The National Healthy Start Association thanks Senators Marshall and Gillibrand for their leadership and steadfast support of the Healthy Start program," said Deborah L. Frazier, CEO, National Healthy Start Association. "What began in 1991 as 15 demonstration projects has grown into a nationwide initiative serving more than 115 urban and rural communities across 38 states. By partnering with communities, Healthy Start works to reduce infant mortality, prevent preterm and low-birth-weight births, and improve maternal health outcomes. Beyond saving lives, the program strengthens communities by creating educational opportunities, generating jobs, and reducing healthcare costs. Reauthorization of Healthy Start is a smart and impactful investment."

The Healthy Start reauthorization builds on ongoing efforts to address maternal and infant mortality nationwide and ensure that families have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. The program has a demonstrated track record of improving the well-being of the communities it serves by supporting new and expecting families' access to health resources. In comparison to national averages, Healthy Start participants have more prenatal care, well visits, screening for behavioral health issues, engaged fathers, and support for family healthy choices and self-sufficiency.

New York receives over $5 million annually for its Healthy Start programs, which are located in Syracuse, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. These Healthy Start programs provide vital support to thousands of New York families. Their services include prenatal and postpartum support, breastfeeding support and education, mental health support, infant care and safe sleep education, father support services, and additional direct family services for growing families.

Click here to read the full text of the legislation.

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