Marshall Applauds the Passage of Legislation that Addresses Maternal Deaths

Statement

Last week the House passed H.R. 1318, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act of 2017, legislation that aims to address maternal deaths across America by improving data collection analysis. Congressman Marshall, an early cosponsor of the bill, worked with patient advocates in urging Congress to pass this much needed legislation.

"Despite modern medical advancements, and improvements in care, nationally, the number of mothers who die from pregnancy-related causes remains far too high,"Rep. Marshall said."Maternal mortality rates are tracked by the CDC, and show that nationally, maternal deaths have actually increased in recent years to 20.7 deaths per 100,000 live births. The good news is that Kansas has set the standard, already bucking the national trend, with maternal mortality decreasing from 19.6 to 17.7 deaths since 2016. Currently there are gaps in identifying trends and developing strategies for better patient outcomes, which this bill aims to address."

Following the vote in the House, the Senate passed this legislation with unanimous consent. It now heads to the president's desk for a final signature.

"Throughout my career as an OB/GYN, I am proud to have delivered thousands of babies into the arms of healthy mothers, but at times, there are circumstances beyond our control that are not fully understood," Marshall said."By improving data collection and analysis, and enhancing federal and state engagement, we can gain a better understanding of these causes. Not only will this be beneficial for public health officials, but it will allow my fellow physicians to continue to improve the quality of care we provide."

Earlier this year, Congressman Marshall joined The Hill, a Washington-based newspaper, for an in-depth discussion on improving maternal and child health in the U.S.

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