Bill aims to strengthen maternal and infant health

(WRGB) — U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening maternal and infant health nationwide by reauthorizing the federal Healthy Start program.

The proposed Healthy Start Reauthorization Act would continue funding for the long-running initiative, which supports community-based efforts to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies before, during, and after pregnancy. Healthy Start focuses on communities experiencing disproportionately high rates of infant mortality and maternal health complications, including areas where infant mortality rates are at least 1.5 times the national average.

Senator Gillibrand said,

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. 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.

Senator Marshall, an obstetrician-gynecologist, said,

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. 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

Senator Baldwin emphasized the long-term impact of healthy pregnancies, stating,

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.

According to the National Healthy Start Association, the program began in 1991 as a small group of demonstration projects and has since expanded to serve more than 115 urban and rural communities across 38 states. Deborah L. Frazier, CEO of the association, called reauthorization a “smart and impactful investment,” noting the program’s role in reducing infant mortality, preventing preterm and low-birth-weight births, and improving maternal health.

Healthy Start programs provide participants with increased access to prenatal care, well-child visits, behavioral health screenings, and education on infant safety and family health. The initiative also supports father engagement and promotes long-term family stability.

New York receives more than $5 million annually for Healthy Start programs operating in Syracuse, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. These programs offer prenatal and postpartum support, breastfeeding education, mental health services, infant care and safe sleep instruction, and other direct assistance for families.