South OC Times

U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Dan Meuser (PA-09), and Kim Schrier (WA-08) introduced the bipartisan Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act today, aimed at supporting rural health care facilities that provide critical obstetric care.

"One’s zip code should not determine one’s access to health care. Unfortunately, many women in rural areas face additional hurdles to receive maternal health care,” stated Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40), co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus. “The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act aims to bridge this alarming gap in maternal health care and provide the workforce, training, and equipment to meet patients’ unique needs regardless of where they live."

Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus, echoed these sentiments. “No mother should be without quality maternal health care, during pregnancy, labor, or postpartum, regardless of where they live,” she said. "This legislation will provide targeted support for rural health care facilities in Illinois and across the country."

Congressman Dan Meuser emphasized that expecting mothers in rural Pennsylvania deserve exceptional obstetric health care. He noted that the legislation will equip rural health care facilities with advanced technologies and trainings through targeted federal grants.

Congresswoman Kim Schrier highlighted her personal experience as a physician and a mother who experienced a high-risk pregnancy. She stressed the importance of accessible, timely obstetrics care for pregnant women and babies.

The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act will direct resources towards creating an obstetric emergency training program for rural health care facilities without a dedicated labor & delivery unit; establishing new federal grants for necessary equipment; creating a pilot program for statewide or regional networks of obstetric and maternal health care teams; and directing HHS to study maternity ward closures, regional patterns of patient transport, and models for regional partnerships for rural obstetric care.

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Tina Smith (D-MN). The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act is supported by several health organizations including the National Rural Health Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Practitioners.