Young Kim U.S. House of Representatives from California | Official U.S. House Headshot
Young Kim U.S. House of Representatives from California | Official U.S. House Headshot
U.S. Representatives Young Kim, Robin Kelly, Dan Meuser, and Kim Schrier have introduced the bipartisan Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act to address the challenges faced by rural healthcare facilities in providing essential obstetric care.
"Women should be able to access quality maternal health care wherever they live," stated Rep. Kim. She highlighted that rural communities often lack maternity care, leaving mothers without necessary support. The proposed legislation aims to equip rural healthcare facilities with the workforce, training, and tools needed to meet these needs.
Rep. Kelly emphasized the importance of affordable and reliable healthcare for mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. "I've heard so many stories from constituents who have to drive hours to the nearest hospital with a delivery room," she said, noting that such distances can lead to stress and preventable complications.
Rep. Meuser expressed concern for expecting mothers in rural Pennsylvania, stating that the legislation seeks to tackle the maternal health crisis through targeted federal grants aimed at enhancing obstetric emergency capabilities in rural areas.
"As a physician and a mother who experienced a high-risk pregnancy," Rep. Schrier underscored the significance of reliable access to obstetrics care for pregnant women and babies' safety. She noted that her district includes many rural areas lacking nearby medical resources.
The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act proposes several measures:
- Directing the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health to develop an obstetric emergency training program.
- Establishing new federal grants for equipment purchase necessary for obstetrics readiness training.
- Creating a pilot program for teleconsultation networks supporting urgent maternal healthcare needs.
- Instructing HHS to study maternity ward closures and regional patient transport patterns.
U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan, Susan Collins, Katie Britt, and Tina Smith have introduced companion legislation in support of this initiative.
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