Senators Marshall, Gillibrand, & Baldwin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Maternal & Infant Health

Washington - U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) introduced 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.

"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."

"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."

"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. 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." said Senator Baldwin.

In Kansas, Healthy Start funding supports Nurture KC, an organization that provides comprehensive, no-cost services to eligible families. These services include one-on-one support from Community Health Workers, education on pregnancy and infant health, safe sleep practices, and parenting skills. Nurture KC also assists families in accessing health insurance, prenatal and pediatric care, and connects them with nutrition services, breastfeeding support, and food assistance programs.

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.

Click here to read the full text of the legislation.

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