U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, introduced a bipartisan bill June 25 called the Quality Care for Moms and Babies Act, which would fund new community partnerships to decrease maternal and infant mortality rates in the U.S., according to UPMatters.com.
Four things to know:
1. The U.S. has the worst maternal mortality rate in the developed world and one of the highest infant mortality rates.
2. Many states have already collaborated to share best practices and develop mother and baby healthcare plans, Ms. Collins said. The legislation would fund these existing partnerships and encourage new ones, involving states, healthcare workers, insurance companies and others in efforts to develop and implement new strategies for improving maternal and infant mortality rates.
3. The legislation would also set higher care standards for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program to more accurately monitor progress.
4. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has endorsed the bill.