Rep. Capps Introduces Global Maternal, Newborn Health Bill

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Sexual Health / STDs;  HIV / AIDS
Article Date: 14 May 2010 - 2:00 PDT


On Tuesday, Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) introduced legislation (HR 5268) that calls for the Obama administration to develop a comprehensive plan to improve maternal and newborn health and reduce mortality in developing countries as part of its Global Health Initiative, the Ventura County Star reports.

The bill would expand access to education programs, prenatal and postpartum care, and family planning. In addition, it would increase diagnostic and treatment services for women with HIV/AIDS, malaria and other conditions.

The measure also calls for assessments of the health effects of sociocultural barriers, and the availability and effects of medications on women and their infants, especially in developing nations.

Capps said the majority of the hundreds of thousands maternal deaths that occur each year "are preventable and require fairly simple interventions." She added that the bill would benefit millions of women who lack access to essential health services.

Women's groups have called on the U.S. government and the international community to devote a combined $12 billion annually to global maternal health. According to the advocacy group Women Deliver, U.S. funding increased from $1 billion in 2003 to $3.5 billion in 2006 but remains far below the amount needed (Collins, Ventura County Star, 5/11).

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