ASA-Endorsed Maternal Care Legislation Introduced in Senate

ASA has endorsed S. 4079, the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act, bipartisan legislation introduced earlier this month that provides support to urgent obstetric care in rural health care facilities. The bill would help minimize the closure of many delivery units in rural areas by better preparing health care facilities and their providers for obstetric emergencies.

The legislation would also create a grant program in to support equipping and training health care professionals to triage obstetric patients in "maternity care deserts," or areas that lack providers or facilities. This program would be created in consultation with at least one representative with experience or expertise in rural health care delivery from a variety of fields, which could include anesthesiology.

The legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-ME), Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL), and Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN).

ASA applauds these efforts of Congress and their willingness to help ensure that rural communities have access to quality maternal care, especially during emergencies.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

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