H.R. 7973

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7973 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7973

To end preventable maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and 
maternal health disparities in the United States, and for other 
purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 18, 2026

Ms. Underwood (for herself, Ms. Adams, Mr. Aguilar, Mr. Amo, Ms. 
Ansari, Ms. Balint, Ms. Barragan, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Bell, Mr. Bera, Mr. 
Bishop, Ms. Bonamici, Mr. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Ms. Brown, Ms. 
Brownley, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Carson, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Mr. 
Casten, Ms. Castor of Florida, Mr. Castro of Texas, Mrs. Cherfilus-
McCormick, Ms. Chu, Ms. Clark of Massachusetts, Ms. Clarke of New York, 
Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Correa, Mr. 
Courtney, Ms. Craig, Ms. Crockett, Mr. Crow, Mr. Cuellar, Ms. Davids of 
Kansas, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, Ms. DeGette, 
Mrs. McClain Delaney, Ms. DeLauro, Ms. DelBene, Mr. Deluzio, Mr. 
DeSaulnier, Ms. Dexter, Mrs. Dingell, Ms. Elfreth, Ms. Escobar, Mr. 
Espaillat, Mr. Fields, Mr. Figures, Mrs. Fletcher, Mr. Foster, Mrs. 
Foushee, Ms. Lois Frankel of Florida, Mr. Frost, Mr. Garamendi, Ms. 
Garcia of Texas, Mr. Garcia of Illinois, Mr. Garcia of California, Mr. 
Golden of Maine, Mr. Goldman of New York, Mr. Vicente Gonzalez of 
Texas, Ms. Goodlander, Mr. Gottheimer, Mr. Gray, Mr. Green of Texas, 
Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Harder of California, Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Horsford, Ms. 
Houlahan, Mr. Hoyer, Ms. Hoyle of Oregon, Mr. Huffman, Mr. Ivey, Mr. 
Jackson of Illinois, Ms. Jacobs, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Jeffries, Mr. Johnson 
of Georgia, Ms. Johnson of Texas, Ms. Kamlager-Dove, Ms. Kaptur, Ms. 
Kelly of Illinois, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mr. Khanna, Mr. 
Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Landsman, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Larson of 
Connecticut, Mr. Latimer, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Ms. Lee of Nevada, 
Ms. Leger Fernandez, Mr. Levin, Mr. Liccardo, Mr. Lieu, Mr. Lynch, Mr. 
Magaziner, Mr. Mannion, Ms. Matsui, Mrs. McBath, Ms. McBride, Ms. 
McClellan, Ms. McCollum, Ms. McDonald Rivet, Mr. McGarvey, Mr. 
McGovern, Mrs. McIver, Mr. Meeks, Mr. Menefee, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Mfume, 
Mr. Min, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mr. Morelle, Mr. Moskowitz, Mr. 
Moulton, Mr. Mrvan, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Neguse, Mr. Norcross, 
Ms. Norton, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Olszewski, Ms. Omar, Mr. Panetta, 
Mr. Pappas, Ms. Pelosi, Ms. Pettersen, Ms. Pingree, Ms. Plaskett, Mr. 
Pocan, Ms. Pressley, Mr. Quigley, Mrs. Ramirez, Ms. Randall, Mr. 
Raskin, Mr. Riley of New York, Ms. Rivas, Ms. Ross, Mr. Ruiz, Mr. Ryan, 
Ms. Salinas, Ms. Scanlon, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Schneider, Ms. Scholten, 
Ms. Schrier, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Ms. 
Sewell, Mr. Sherman, Ms. Simon, Mr. Smith of Washington, Mr. Sorensen, 
Mr. Soto, Ms. Stansbury, Mr. Stanton, Ms. Stevens, Ms. Strickland, Mr. 
Subramanyam, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Swalwell, Mr. Takano, Mr. Thanedar, Mr. 
Thompson of California, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Titus, Ms. 
Tlaib, Ms. Tokuda, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Torres of New York, Mrs. Trahan, Mr. 
Tran, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Veasey, Mr. Vindman, Mr. Walkinshaw, Ms. 
Wasserman Schultz, Ms. Waters, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Ms. Williams of 
Georgia, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania, Mr. Gomez, 
Mr. Casar, Mr. Himes, Ms. Pou, Mrs. Torres of California, Ms. 
Budzinski, Ms. Bynum, Ms. Friedman, Mr. Keating, Mrs. Sykes, Mr. Neal, 
Mr. Hernandez, and Mr. Costa) introduced the following bill; which was 
referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to 
the Committees on Education and Workforce, Veterans' Affairs, Natural 
Resources, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently 
determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such 
provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To end preventable maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and 
maternal health disparities in the United States, and for other 
purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Momnibus Act''.

SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
Sec. 4. Sense of Congress.
TITLE I--SOCIAL DETERMINANTS FOR MOMS

Sec. 101. Task force to address the United States maternal health 
crisis.
Sec. 102. Sustained funding to address social determinants of maternal 
health.
TITLE II--EXTENDING WIC FOR NEW MOMS

Sec. 201. Extending WIC eligibility for new moms.
TITLE III--HONORING KIRA JOHNSON

Sec. 301. Sustained funding for community-based organizations to 
advance maternal health equity.
Sec. 302. Respectful maternity care training for all employees in 
maternity care settings.
Sec. 303. Study on reducing and preventing bias, racism, and 
discrimination in maternity care settings.
Sec. 304. Respectful maternity care compliance program.
Sec. 305. GAO report.
TITLE IV--MATERNAL HEALTH FOR VETERANS

Sec. 401. Support for maternity health care and coordination programs 
of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
TITLE V--PERINATAL WORKFORCE

Sec. 501. HHS agency directives.
Sec. 502. Grants to grow and diversify the perinatal workforce.
Sec. 503. Grants to grow and diversify the nursing workforce in 
maternal and perinatal health.
Sec. 504. GAO report.
TITLE VI--DATA TO SAVE MOMS

Sec. 601. Funding for maternal mortality review committees to promote 
representative community engagement.
Sec. 602. Data collection and review.
Sec. 603. Review of maternal health data collection processes and 
quality measures.
Sec. 604. Study on maternal health among American Indian and Alaska 
Native individuals.
Sec. 605. Grants to minority-serving institutions to study maternal 
mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and 
other adverse maternal health outcomes.
TITLE VII--MOMS MATTER

Sec. 701. Maternal mental health equity grant program.
Sec. 702. Grants to grow and diversify the maternal mental and 
behavioral health care workforce.
TITLE VIII--JUSTICE FOR INCARCERATED MOMS

Sec. 801. Ending the shackling of pregnant individuals.
Sec. 802. Creating model programs for the care of incarcerated 
individuals in the prenatal and postpartum 
periods.
Sec. 803. Grant program to improve maternal health outcomes for 
individuals in State and local prisons and 
jails.
Sec. 804. GAO report.
TITLE IX--TECH TO SAVE MOMS

Sec. 901. Integrated telehealth models in maternity care services.
Sec. 902. Grants to expand the use of technology-enabled collaborative 
learning and capacity models for pregnant 
and postpartum individuals.
Sec. 903. Grants to promote equity in maternal health outcomes through 
digital tools.
Sec. 904. Report on the use of technology in maternity care.
TITLE X--IMPACT TO SAVE MOMS

Sec. 1001. Perinatal Care Alternative Payment Model Demonstration 
Project.
TITLE XI--MATERNAL HEALTH PANDEMIC RESPONSE

Sec. 1101. Definitions.
Sec. 1102. Funding for data collection, surveillance, and research on 
maternal health outcomes during public 
health emergencies.
Sec. 1103. Public health emergency maternal health data collection and 
disclosure.
Sec. 1104. Public health communication regarding maternal care during 
public health emergencies.
Sec. 1105. Task force on birthing experience and safe, respectful, 
responsive, and empowering maternity care 
during public health emergencies.
TITLE XII--PROTECTING MOMS AND BABIES AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

Sec. 1201. Definitions.
Sec. 1202. Grant program to protect vulnerable mothers and babies from 
climate change risks.
Sec. 1203. Grant program for education and training at health 
profession schools.
Sec. 1204. NIH Consortium on Birth and Climate Change Research.
Sec. 1205. Strategy for identifying climate change risk zones for 
vulnerable mothers and babies.
TITLE XIII--NIH IMPROVE

Sec. 1301. IMPROVE Initiative.
TITLE XIV--MATERNAL VACCINATIONS

Sec. 1401. Maternal vaccination awareness and equity campaign.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Culturally and linguistically congruent.--The term 
``culturally and linguistically congruent'', with respect to 
care or maternity care, means care that is in agreement with 
the preferred cultural values, beliefs, worldview, language, 
and practices of the health care consumer and other 
stakeholders.
(2) Maternal mortality.--The term ``maternal mortality'' 
means a death occurring during or within a 1-year period after 
pregnancy, caused by pregnancy-related or childbirth 
complications, including a suicide, overdose, or other death 
resulting from a mental health or substance use disorder 
attributed to or aggravated by pregnancy-related or childbirth 
complications.
(3) Maternity care provider.--The term ``maternity care 
provider'' means a health care provider who--
(A) is a physician, a physician assistant, a 
midwife who meets, at a minimum, the international 
definition of a midwife and global standards for 
midwifery education as established by the International 
Confederation of Midwives, an advanced practice 
registered nurse, a doula accredited by a State to 
receive reimbursement for doula services under a State 
plan (or a waiver of such plan) under title XIX of the 
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), or a 
lactation consultant certified by the International 
Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners; and
(B) has a focus on maternal or perinatal health.
(4) Perinatal health worker.--The term ``perinatal health 
worker'' means a nonclinical health worker focused on maternal 
or perinatal health, such as a doula, community health worker, 
peer supporter, lactation educator or counselor, nutritionist 
or dietitian, childbirth educator, social worker, home visitor, 
patient navigator or coordinator, or language interpreter.
(5) Postpartum and postpartum period.--The terms 
``postpartum'' and ``postpartum period'' refer to the 1-year 
period beginning on the last day of the pregnancy of an 
individual.
(6) Pregnancy-associated death.--The term ``pregnancy-
associated death'' means a death of a pregnant or postpartum 
individual, by any cause, that occurs during, or within 1 year 
following, the individual's pregnancy, regardless of the 
outcome, duration, or site of the pregnancy.
(7) Pregnancy-related death.--The term ``pregnancy-related 
death'' means a death of a pregnant or postpartum individual 
that occurs during, or within 1 year following, the 
individual's pregnancy, from a pregnancy complication, a chain 
of events initiated by pregnancy, or the aggravation of an 
unrelated condition by the physiologic effects of pregnancy.
(8) Public health emergency.--The term ``public health 
emergency'' means a public health emergency declared under 
section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d).
(9) Racial and ethnic minority group.--The term ``racial 
and ethnic minority group'' has the meaning given such term in 
section 1707(g)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
300u-6(g)(1)).
(10) Severe maternal morbidity.--The term ``severe maternal 
morbidity'' means a health condition, including mental health 
conditions and substance use disorders, attributed to or 
aggravated by pregnancy or childbirth that results in 
significant short-term or long-term consequences to the health 
of the individual who was pregnant.
(11) Social determinants of maternal health.--The term 
``social determinants of maternal health'' means nonclinical 
factors that impact maternal health outcomes.

SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the respect and proper care that birthing people 
deserve is inclusive; and
(2) regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual 
orientation, religion, marital status, primary language, 
familial status, socioeconomic status, immigration status, 
incarceration status, or disability, all deserve dignity.

TITLE I--SOCIAL DETERMINANTS FOR MOMS

SEC. 101. TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS THE UNITED STATES MATERNAL HEALTH 
CRISIS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall 
convene a task force (in this section referred to as the ``Task 
Force'') to develop strategies and coordinate efforts between Federal 
agencies and other stakeholders to eliminate preventable maternal 
mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal health disparities 
in the United States, including actions to address clinical and 
nonclinical causes of maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, 
and maternal health disparities.
(b) Ex Officio Members.--The ex officio members of the Task Force 
shall consist of the following:
(1) The Secretary of Health and Human Services (or a 
designee thereof).
(2) The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (or a 
designee thereof).
(3) The Secretary of Transportation (or a designee 
thereof).
(4) The Secretary of Agriculture (or a designee thereof).
(5) The Secretary of Labor (or a designee thereof).
(6) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency (or a designee thereof).
(7) The Assistant Secretary for the Administration for 
Children and Families (or a designee thereof).
(8) The Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & 
Medicaid Services (or a designee thereof).
(9) The Director of the Indian Health Service (or a 
designee thereof).
(10) The Director of the National Institutes of Health (or 
a designee thereof).
(11) The Director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National 
Institute of Child Health and Human Development (or a designee 
thereof).
(12) The Director of the Tribal Health Research Office of 
the National Institutes of Health (or a designee thereof).
(13) The Administrator of the Health Resources and Services 
Administration (or a designee thereof).
(14) The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health of 
the Department of Health and Human Services (or a designee 
thereof).
(15) The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health of 
the Department of Health and Human Services (or a designee 
thereof).
(16) The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (or a designee thereof).
(17) The Director of the Office on Violence Against Women 
at the Department of Justice (or a designee thereof).
(c) Appointed Members.--In addition to the ex officio members of 
the Task Force, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may appoint 
the following members of the Task Force:
(1) Representatives of patients, to include--
(A) a representative of patients who have suffered 
from severe maternal morbidity; or
(B) a representative of patients who is a family 
member of an individual who suffered a pregnancy-
related death.
(2) Leaders of community-based organizations that address 
maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal 
health with a specific focus on racial and ethnic disparities. 
In appointing such leaders under this paragraph, the Secretary 
of Health and Human Services shall give priority to individuals 
who are leaders of organizations led by individuals from 
demographic groups with elevated rates of maternal mortality, 
severe maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, or 
other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes.
(3) Leaders from the Indian health care system, including 
leaders from Tribal Epidemiology Centers.
(4) Perinatal health workers.
(5) A professionally and geographically diverse panel of 
maternity care providers.
(6) Other maternal health stakeholders outside of the 
Federal Government with expertise in maternal health, including 
social determinants of maternal health.
(d) Chair.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall select 
the chair of the Task Force from among the members of the Task Force.
(e) Topics.--In developing strategies coordinating efforts between 
Federal agencies and other stakeholders to eliminate preventable 
maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal health 
disparities in the United States under this section, the Task Force may 
address topics such as--
(1) addressing barriers that prevent individuals from 
attending prenatal and postpartum appointments, accessing 
maternal health care services, or accessing services and 
resources related to social determinants of maternal health;
(2) increasing access to safe, stable, affordable, and 
adequate housing for pregnant and postpartum individuals and 
their families;
(3) delivering healthy food, infant formula, clean water, 
diapers, or other perinatal necessities to pregnant and 
postpartum individuals located in areas that are food deserts;
(4) addressing the impacts of water and air quality, 
exposure to extreme temperatures, environmental chemicals, 
environmental risks in the workplace and the home, and 
pollution levels, on maternal and infant health outcomes;
(5) offering free and accessible drop-in childcare services 
during prenatal and postpartum appointments;
(6) addressing the clinical and nonclinical needs of 
postpartum individuals and their families for the duration of 
the postpartum period;
(7) engaging with nongovernmental entities to address 
social determinants of maternal health, including through 
public-private partnerships;
(8) addressing the impact of domestic or intimate partner 
violence on maternal health outcomes; and
(9) other topics determined by the chair of the Task Force.
(f) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, and every year thereafter, the Task Force shall submit to 
Congress and make publicly available on the website of the Department 
of Health and Human Services a report--
(1) describing the Task Force's efforts to develop 
strategies and coordinate efforts between Federal agencies and 
other stakeholders to eliminate preventable maternal mortality, 
severe maternal morbidity, and maternal health disparities in 
the United States;
(2) providing an overview of actions taken by each member 
of the Task Force listed under subsection (b) to eliminate 
preventable maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and 
maternal health disparities in the United States;
(3) providing recommendations on Federal funding amounts 
and authorities needed to implement strategies developed by the 
Task Force to eliminate preventable maternal mortality, severe 
maternal morbidity, and maternal health disparities in the 
United States;
(4) providing recommendations on actions that stakeholders 
outside of the Federal Government can take to eliminate 
preventable maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and 
maternal health disparities in the United States; and
(5) addressing other topics as determined by the chair of 
the Task Force.
(g) Termination.--Section 1013 of title 5, United States Code, 
shall not apply to the Task Force with respect to termination.

SEC. 102. SUSTAINED FUNDING TO ADDRESS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF MATERNAL 
HEALTH.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in 
this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall award grants to 
eligible entities to address social determinants of maternal health to 
eliminate maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal 
health disparities.
(b) Eligible Entities.--In this section, the term ``eligible 
entity'' means--
(1) a community-based organization, Indian Tribe or Tribal 
organization, or Urban Indian organization;
(2) a public health department or nonprofit organization 
working with an entity listed in paragraph (1); or
(3) a consortium of entities listed in paragraph (1) or (2) 
that includes at minimum one entity listed in paragraph (1).
(c) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this 
section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an 
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
information as the Secretary may provide.
(d) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity that is operating 
in an area with--
(1) high rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal 
morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other adverse 
perinatal or childbirth outcomes; and
(2) a high poverty rate.
(e) Activities.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under 
this section may use the grant to address social determinants of 
maternal health such as--
(1) housing;
(2) transportation;
(3) nutrition;
(4) employment, workplace conditions, and other economic 
factors;
(5) environmental conditions;
(6) intimate partner violence; and
(7) other nonclinical factors that impact maternal health 
outcomes.
(f) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide to grant 
recipients under this section technical assistance to plan for 
sustaining programs to address social determinants of maternal health 
after the period of the grant.
(g) Reporting.--
(1) Grantees.--Not later than 1 year after an eligible 
entity first receives a grant under this section, and annually 
thereafter, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary, 
and make publicly available, a report on the status of 
activities conducted using the grant. Each such report shall 
include data on the effects of such activities, disaggregated 
by race, ethnicity, gender, primary language, geography, 
socioeconomic status, and other relevant factors.
(2) Secretary.--Not later than the end of fiscal year 2031, 
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes--
(A) a summary of the reports under paragraph (1); 
and
(B) recommendations for future Federal grant 
allocations to address social determinants of maternal 
health.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.

TITLE II--EXTENDING WIC FOR NEW MOMS

SEC. 201. EXTENDING WIC ELIGIBILITY FOR NEW MOMS.

(a) Extension of Postpartum Period.--Section 17(b)(10) of the Child 
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(b)(10)) is amended by striking 
``six months'' and inserting ``24 months''.
(b) Extension of Breastfeeding Period.--Section 17(d)(3)(A)(ii) of 
the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(d)(3)(A)(ii)) is 
amended by striking ``1 year'' and inserting ``24 months''.
(c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment 
of this section, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that 
includes an evaluation of the effect of each of the amendments made by 
this section on--
(1) maternal and infant health outcomes, including racial 
and ethnic disparities with respect to such outcomes;
(2) breastfeeding rates among postpartum individuals;
(3) qualitative evaluations of family experiences under the 
special supplemental nutrition program under section 17 of the 
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786); and
(4) other relevant information as determined by the 
Secretary.

TITLE III--HONORING KIRA JOHNSON

SEC. 301. SUSTAINED FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO 
ADVANCE MATERNAL HEALTH EQUITY.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in 
this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall award grants to 
eligible entities to establish or expand programs to advance maternal 
health equity.
(b) Timing.--Following the 1-year period described in subsection 
(d), the Secretary shall commence awarding the grants authorized by 
subsection (a).
(c) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible to seek a grant under this 
section, an entity shall be a community-based organization offering 
programs and resources aligned with evidence-based practices for 
improving maternal health outcomes for demographic groups with elevated 
rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes.
(d) Outreach and Technical Assistance Period.--During the 1-year 
period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
shall--
(1) conduct outreach to encourage eligible entities to 
apply for grants under this section; and
(2) provide technical assistance to eligible entities on 
best practices for applying for grants under this section.
(e) Special Consideration.--
(1) Outreach.--In conducting outreach under subsection (d), 
the Secretary shall give special consideration to eligible 
entities that--
(A) are based in, and provide support for, 
communities with elevated rates of maternal mortality, 
severe maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, 
or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes, to 
the extent such data are available;
(B) are led by individuals from demographic groups 
with elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe 
maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, or 
other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes; and
(C) offer programs and resources that are aligned 
with evidence-based practices for improving maternal 
health outcomes for individuals from demographic groups 
with elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe 
maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, or 
other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes.
(2) Awards.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall give special consideration to eligible entities 
that--
(A) are described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and 
(C) of paragraph (1);
(B) offer programs and resources designed in 
consultation with and intended for individuals from 
demographic groups with elevated rates of maternal 
mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth 
outcomes;
(C) offer programs and resources in the communities 
in which the respective eligible entities are located 
that--
(i) promote maternal mental health and 
maternal substance use disorder treatments and 
supports that are aligned with evidence-based 
practices for improving maternal mental and 
behavioral health outcomes for individuals from 
demographic groups with elevated rates of 
maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, 
maternal health disparities, or other adverse 
perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(ii) address social determinants of 
maternal health;
(iii) promote evidence-based health 
literacy and pregnancy, childbirth, and 
parenting education;
(iv) provide support from perinatal health 
workers;
(v) provide culturally and linguistically 
congruent training to perinatal health workers;
(vi) conduct or support research on 
maternal health issues disproportionately 
impacting individuals from demographic groups 
with elevated rates of maternal mortality, 
severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or 
childbirth outcomes;
(vii) offer group prenatal care or group 
postpartum care;
(viii) coordinate mutual aid efforts during 
infant formula shortages, including community 
milk depots, donor human milk banks and 
exchanges, and forums for community outreach 
and education;
(ix) provide support to individuals or 
family members of individuals who suffered a 
pregnancy loss, pregnancy-associated death, or 
pregnancy-related death; or
(x) operate midwifery practices that 
provide culturally and linguistically congruent 
maternal health care and support, including for 
the purposes of--
(I) supporting additional 
education, training, and certification 
programs, including support for 
distance learning;
(II) providing financial support to 
current and future midwives to address 
education costs, debts, and other 
needs;
(III) clinical site investments;
(IV) supporting preceptor 
development trainings;
(V) expanding the midwifery 
practice; or
(VI) related needs identified by 
the midwifery practice and described in 
the practice's application; and
(D) have developed other programs and resources 
that address community-specific needs for pregnant and 
postpartum individuals and are aligned with evidence-
based practices for improving maternal health outcomes 
for individuals from demographic groups with elevated 
rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, 
maternal health disparities, or other adverse perinatal 
or childbirth outcomes.
(f) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide to grant 
recipients under this section technical assistance on--
(1) capacity building to establish or expand programs to 
advance maternal health equity;
(2) best practices in data collection, measurement, 
evaluation, and reporting; and
(3) planning for sustaining programs to advance maternal 
health equity after the period of the grant.
(g) Evaluation.--Not later than the end of fiscal year 2031, the 
Secretary shall submit to the Congress an evaluation of the grant 
program under this section that--
(1) assesses the effectiveness of outreach efforts during 
the application process in diversifying the pool of grant 
recipients;
(2) makes recommendations for future outreach efforts to 
diversify the pool of grant recipients for Department of Health 
and Human Services grant programs and funding opportunities 
related to maternal health;
(3) assesses the effectiveness of programs funded by grants 
under this section in improving maternal health outcomes for 
individuals from demographic groups with elevated rates of 
maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes, 
to the extent practicable; and
(4) makes recommendations for future Department of Health 
and Human Services grant programs and funding opportunities 
that deliver funding to community-based organizations that 
provide programs and resources that are aligned with evidence-
based practices for improving maternal health outcomes for 
individuals from demographic groups with elevated rates of 
maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, 
there is authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.

SEC. 302. RESPECTFUL MATERNITY CARE TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN 
MATERNITY CARE SETTINGS.

Part B of title VII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 293 
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

``SEC. 742. RESPECTFUL MATERNITY CARE TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN 
MATERNITY CARE SETTINGS.

``(a) Grants.--The Secretary shall award grants for programs to 
reduce and prevent bias, racism, and discrimination in maternity care 
settings and to advance respectful, culturally and linguistically 
congruent, trauma-informed care.
``(b) Special Consideration.--In awarding grants under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall give special consideration to applications for 
programs that would--
``(1) apply to all maternity care providers and any 
employees who interact with pregnant and postpartum individuals 
in the provider setting, including front desk employees, 
sonographers, schedulers, health care professionals, hospital 
or health system administrators, security staff, and other 
employees;
``(2) emphasize periodic, as opposed to one-time, trainings 
for all birthing professionals and employees described in 
paragraph (1);
``(3) address implicit bias, racism, and cultural humility;
``(4) be delivered in ongoing education settings for 
providers maintaining their licenses, with a preference for 
trainings that provide continuing education units;
``(5) include trauma-informed care best practices and an 
emphasis on shared decision making between providers and 
patients;
``(6) include antiracism training and programs;
``(7) be delivered in undergraduate programs that funnel 
into health professions schools;
``(8) be delivered in settings that apply to providers of 
the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, 
and children under section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 
1966;
``(9) integrate bias training in obstetric emergency 
simulation trainings or related trainings;
``(10) include training for emergency department employees 
and emergency medical technicians on recognizing warning signs 
for severe pregnancy-related complications;
``(11) offer training to all maternity care providers on 
the value of racially, ethnically, and professionally diverse 
maternity care teams to provide culturally and linguistically 
congruent care; or
``(12) be based on one or more programs designed by a 
historically Black college or university or other minority-
serving institution.
``(c) Application.--To seek a grant under subsection (a), an entity 
shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and 
containing such information as the Secretary may require.
``(d) Reporting.--Each recipient of a grant under this section 
shall annually submit to the Secretary a report on the status of 
activities conducted using the grant, including, as applicable, a 
description of the impact of training provided through the grant on 
patient outcomes and patient experience for pregnant and postpartum 
individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups and their families.
``(e) Best Practices.--Based on the annual reports submitted 
pursuant to subsection (d), the Secretary--
``(1) shall produce an annual report on the findings 
resulting from programs funded through this section;
``(2) shall disseminate such report to all recipients of 
grants under this section and to the public; and
``(3) may include in such report findings on best practices 
for improving patient outcomes and patient experience for 
pregnant and postpartum individuals from racial and ethnic 
minority groups and their families in maternity care settings.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `postpartum' means the 1-year period 
beginning on the last day of an individual's pregnancy.
``(2) The term `culturally and linguistically congruent' 
means in agreement with the preferred cultural values, beliefs, 
worldview, language, and practices of the health care consumer 
and other stakeholders.
``(3) The term `racial and ethnic minority group' has the 
meaning given such term in section 1707(g)(1).
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, 
there is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.''.

SEC. 303. STUDY ON REDUCING AND PREVENTING BIAS, RACISM, AND 
DISCRIMINATION IN MATERNITY CARE SETTINGS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall 
seek to enter into an agreement, not later than 90 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, with the National Academies of Sciences, 
Engineering, and Medicine (referred to in this section as the 
``National Academies'') under which the National Academies agree to--
(1) conduct a study on the design and implementation of 
programs to reduce and prevent bias, racism, and discrimination 
in maternity care settings and to advance respectful, 
culturally and linguistically congruent, trauma-informed care; 
and
(2) not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act--
(A) complete the study; and
(B) transmit a report on the results of the study 
to the Congress.
(b) Possible Topics.--The agreement entered into pursuant to 
subsection (a) may provide for the study of any of the following:
(1) The development of a scorecard or other evaluation 
standards for programs designed to reduce and prevent bias, 
racism, and discrimination in maternity care settings to assess 
the effectiveness of such programs in improving patient 
outcomes and patient experience for pregnant and postpartum 
individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups and their 
families.
(2) Determination of the types and frequency of training to 
reduce and prevent bias, racism, and discrimination in 
maternity care settings that are demonstrated to improve 
patient outcomes or patient experience for pregnant and 
postpartum individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups 
and their families.

SEC. 304. RESPECTFUL MATERNITY CARE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services 
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall award grants 
to accredited hospitals, health systems, and other maternity care 
settings to establish as an integral part of quality implementation 
initiatives within one or more hospitals or other birth settings a 
respectful maternity care compliance program.
(b) Program Requirements.--A respectful maternity care compliance 
program funded through a grant under this section shall--
(1) institutionalize mechanisms to allow patients receiving 
maternity care services, the families of such patients, or 
perinatal health workers supporting such patients to report 
instances of racism or evidence of bias on the basis of race, 
ethnicity, or another protected class;
(2) institutionalize response mechanisms through which 
representatives of the program can directly follow up with the 
patient, if possible, and the patient's family in a timely 
manner;
(3) prepare and make publicly available a hospital- or 
health system-wide strategy to reduce bias on the basis of 
race, ethnicity, or another protected class in the delivery of 
maternity care that includes--
(A) information on the training programs to reduce 
and prevent bias, racism, and discrimination on the 
basis of race, ethnicity, or another protected class 
for all employees in maternity care settings;
(B) information on the number of cases reported to 
the compliance program; and
(C) the development of methods to routinely assess 
the extent to which bias, racism, or discrimination on 
the basis of race, ethnicity, or another protected 
class is present in the delivery of maternity care to 
patients from racial and ethnic minority groups;
(4) develop mechanisms to routinely collect and publicly 
report hospital-level data related to patient-reported 
experience of care; and
(5) provide annual reports to the Secretary with 
information about each case reported to the compliance program 
over the course of the year containing such information as the 
Secretary may require, such as--
(A) deidentified demographic information on the 
patient in the case, such as race, ethnicity, gender 
identity, and primary language;
(B) the content of the report from the patient or 
the family of the patient to the compliance program;
(C) the response from the compliance program; and
(D) to the extent applicable, institutional changes 
made as a result of the case.
(c) Secretary Requirements.--
(1) Processes.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish processes 
for--
(A) disseminating best practices for establishing 
and implementing a respectful maternity care compliance 
program within a hospital or other birth setting;
(B) promoting coordination and collaboration 
between hospitals, health systems, and other maternity 
care delivery settings on the establishment and 
implementation of respectful maternity care compliance 
programs; and
(C) evaluating the effectiveness of respectful 
maternity care compliance programs on maternal health 
outcomes and patient and family experiences, especially 
for patients from racial and ethnic minority groups and 
their families.
(2) Study.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, 
through a contract with an independent research 
organization, conduct a study on strategies to 
address--
(i) racism or bias on the basis of race, 
ethnicity, or another protected class in the 
delivery of maternity care services; and
(ii) successful implementation of 
respectful care initiatives.
(B) Components of study.--The study shall include 
the following:
(i) An assessment of the reports submitted 
to the Secretary from the respectful maternity 
care compliance programs pursuant to subsection 
(b)(5).
(ii) Based on such assessment, 
recommendations for potential accountability 
mechanisms related to cases of racism or bias 
on the basis of race, ethnicity, or another 
protected class in the delivery of maternity 
care services at hospitals and other birth 
settings. Such recommendations shall take into 
consideration medical and nonmedical factors 
that contribute to adverse patient experiences 
and maternal health outcomes.
(C) Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the 
Congress and make publicly available a report on the 
results of the study under this paragraph.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, 
there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary 
for fiscal years 2027 through 2032.

SEC. 305. GAO REPORT.

(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act and annually thereafter, the Comptroller General of the 
United States shall submit to the Congress and make publicly available 
a report on the establishment of respectful maternity care compliance 
programs within hospitals, health systems, and other maternity care 
settings.
(b) Matters Included.--The report under subsection (a) shall 
include the following:
(1) Information regarding the extent to which hospitals, 
health systems, and other maternity care settings have elected 
to establish respectful maternity care compliance programs, 
including--
(A) which hospitals and other birth settings elect 
to establish compliance programs and when such programs 
are established;
(B) to the extent practicable, impacts of the 
establishment of such programs on maternal health 
outcomes and patient and family experiences in the 
hospitals and other birth settings that have 
established such programs, especially for patients from 
racial and ethnic minority groups and their families;
(C) information on geographic areas, and types of 
hospitals or other birth settings, where respectful 
maternity care compliance programs are not being 
established and information on factors contributing to 
decisions to not establish such programs; and
(D) recommendations for establishing respectful 
maternity care compliance programs in geographic areas, 
and types of hospitals or other birth settings, where 
such programs are not being established.
(2) Whether the funding made available to carry out this 
section has been sufficient and, if applicable, recommendations 
for additional appropriations to carry out this section.
(3) Such other information as the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate.

TITLE IV--MATERNAL HEALTH FOR VETERANS

SEC. 401. SUPPORT FOR MATERNITY HEALTH CARE AND COORDINATION PROGRAMS 
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

(a) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until September 30, 
2031, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees 
on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate, 
and make publicly available, a report that contains the following:
(1) A summary of the activities carried out under the 
programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to 
maternity health care or coordination.
(2) Data on maternal health outcomes of veterans who 
receive care furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 
including pursuant to such programs.
(3) Data on patients who are dually eligible to receive 
assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the 
Indian Health Service and the maternity health care outcomes 
associated with receiving such care.
(4) Recommendations by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
improve the maternal health outcomes of veterans, with a 
particular focus on veterans from demographic groups with 
elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal 
morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other adverse 
perinatal or childbirth outcomes.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $15,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031, for the programs 
of the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to maternity 
care coordination and related programs, including the maternity 
care coordination program described in Veterans Health 
Administration Directive 1330.03.
(2) Supplement not supplant.--Amounts authorized under 
paragraph (1) are authorized in addition to any other amounts 
authorized for maternity health care and coordination for the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.

TITLE V--PERINATAL WORKFORCE

SEC. 501. HHS AGENCY DIRECTIVES.

(a) Guidance to States.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services shall issue and disseminate guidance to States to 
educate providers, managed care entities, and other insurers 
about the value and process of delivering respectful maternal 
health care through diverse and multidisciplinary care provider 
models.
(2) Contents.--The guidance required by paragraph (1) shall 
address how States can encourage and incentivize hospitals, 
health systems, midwifery practices, freestanding birth 
centers, other maternity care provider groups, managed care 
entities, and other insurers--
(A) to recruit and retain maternity care providers, 
mental and behavioral health care providers acting in 
accordance with State law, and registered dietitians or 
nutrition professionals (as such term is defined in 
section 1861(vv)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 1395x(vv)(2)))--
(i) from racially, ethnically, and 
linguistically diverse backgrounds;
(ii) with experience practicing in racially 
and ethnically diverse communities; and
(iii) who have undergone training on 
implicit bias and racism;
(B) to incorporate into maternity care teams--
(i) midwives who meet, at a minimum, the 
international definition of a midwife and 
global standards for midwifery education as 
established by the International Confederation 
of Midwives;
(ii) perinatal health workers;
(iii) physician assistants;
(iv) advanced practice registered nurses; 
and
(v) lactation consultants certified by the 
International Board of Lactation Consultant 
Examiners;
(C) to provide collaborative, culturally and 
linguistically congruent care; and
(D) to provide opportunities for individuals 
enrolled in accredited midwifery education programs to 
participate in job shadowing with maternity care teams 
in hospitals, health systems, midwifery practices, and 
freestanding birth centers.
(b) Study on Respectful and Culturally and Linguistically Congruent 
Maternity Care.--
(1) Study.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services 
acting through the Director of the National Institutes of 
Health (in this subsection referred to as the ``Secretary'') 
shall conduct a study on best practices in respectful and 
culturally and linguistically congruent maternity care.
(2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
(A) complete the study required by paragraph (1);
(B) submit to the Congress and make publicly 
available a report on the results of such study; and
(C) include in such report--
(i) a compendium of examples of hospitals, 
health systems, midwifery practices, 
freestanding birth centers, other maternity 
care provider groups, managed care entities, 
and other insurers that are delivering 
respectful and culturally and linguistically 
congruent maternal health care;
(ii) a compendium of examples of hospitals, 
health systems, midwifery practices, 
freestanding birth centers, other maternity 
care provider groups, managed care entities, 
and other insurers that have made progress in 
reducing disparities in maternal health 
outcomes and improving birthing experiences for 
pregnant and postpartum individuals from racial 
and ethnic minority groups; and
(iii) recommendations to hospitals, health 
systems, midwifery practices, freestanding 
birth centers, other maternity care provider 
groups, managed care entities, and other 
insurers, for best practices in respectful and 
culturally and linguistically congruent 
maternity care.

SEC. 502. GRANTS TO GROW AND DIVERSIFY THE PERINATAL WORKFORCE.

Title VII of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting 
after section 757 (42 U.S.C. 294f) the following new section:

``SEC. 758. PERINATAL WORKFORCE GRANTS.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants to entities to 
establish or expand programs described in subsection (b) to grow and 
diversify the perinatal workforce.
``(b) Use of Funds.--Recipients of grants under this section shall 
use the grants to grow and diversify the perinatal workforce by--
``(1) establishing accredited schools or programs that 
provide education and training to individuals seeking 
appropriate licensing and certification as--
``(A) physician assistants who will complete 
clinical training in the field of maternal and 
perinatal health;
``(B) perinatal health workers; or
``(C) midwives who meet, at a minimum, the 
international definition of a midwife and global 
standards for midwifery education as established by the 
International Confederation of Midwives; and
``(2) expanding the capacity of existing accredited schools 
or programs described in paragraph (1), for the purposes of 
increasing the number of students enrolled in such accredited 
schools or programs, such as by awarding scholarships for 
students (including students from racially, ethnically, and 
linguistically diverse backgrounds).
``(c) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall give priority to a school or program described in 
subsection (b) that--
``(1) has demonstrated a commitment to recruiting and 
retaining students and faculty from racial and ethnic minority 
groups;
``(2) has developed a strategy to recruit and retain a 
diverse pool of students into the school or program described 
in subsection (b) that is supported by funds received through 
the grant, particularly from racial and ethnic minority groups 
and other underserved populations;
``(3) has developed a strategy to recruit and retain 
students who plan to practice in a health professional shortage 
area designated under section 332;
``(4) has developed a strategy to recruit and retain 
students who plan to practice in an area with significant 
racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, to 
the extent practicable; and
``(5) includes in the standard curriculum for all students 
within the school or program described in subsection (b) a 
bias, racism, or discrimination training program that includes 
training on implicit bias and racism.
``(d) Reporting.--As a condition on receipt of a grant under this 
section for a school or program described in subsection (b), an entity 
shall agree to submit to the Secretary an annual report on the 
activities conducted through the grant, including--
``(1) the number and demographics of students participating 
in the school or program;
``(2) the extent to which students in the school or program 
are entering careers in--
``(A) health professional shortage areas designated 
under section 332; and
``(B) areas with elevated rates of maternal 
mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth 
outcomes, to the extent such data are available; and
``(3) whether the school or program has included in the 
standard curriculum for all students a bias, racism, or 
discrimination training program that includes explicit and 
implicit bias, and if so the effectiveness of such training 
program.
``(e) Period of Grants.--The period of a grant under this section 
shall be up to 5 years.
``(f) Application.--To seek a grant under this section, an entity 
shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such 
manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
including any information necessary for prioritization under subsection 
(c).
``(g) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide, directly 
or by contract, technical assistance to entities seeking or receiving a 
grant under this section on the development, use, evaluation, and 
postgrant period sustainability of the school or program described in 
subsection (b) that is proposed to be, or is being, established or 
expanded through the grant.
``(h) Report by the Secretary.--Not later than 4 years after the 
date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall prepare and 
submit to the Congress, and post on the internet website of the 
Department of Health and Human Services, a report on the effectiveness 
of the grant program under this section at--
``(1) recruiting students from racial and ethnic minority 
groups;
``(2) increasing the number of health professionals 
described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of subsection 
(b)(1) from racial and ethnic minority groups and other 
underserved populations;
``(3) increasing the number of such health professionals 
working in health professional shortage areas designated under 
section 332; and
``(4) increasing the number of such health professionals 
working in areas with significant racial and ethnic disparities 
in maternal health outcomes, to the extent such data are 
available.
``(i) Definition.--In this section, the term `racial and ethnic 
minority group' has the meaning given such term in section 1707(g)(1).
``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, 
there is authorized to be appropriated $15,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.''.

SEC. 503. GRANTS TO GROW AND DIVERSIFY THE NURSING WORKFORCE IN 
MATERNAL AND PERINATAL HEALTH.

Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting 
after section 811 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 296j) the following:

``SEC. 812. PERINATAL NURSING WORKFORCE GRANTS.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants to schools of 
nursing to grow and diversify the perinatal nursing workforce.
``(b) Use of Funds.--Recipients of grants under this section shall 
use the grants to grow and diversify the perinatal nursing workforce by 
providing scholarships to students seeking to become--
``(1) nurse practitioners whose education includes a focus 
on maternal and perinatal health;
``(2) certified nurse-midwives; or
``(3) clinical nurse specialists whose education includes a 
focus on maternal and perinatal health.
``(c) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall give priority to any school of nursing that--
``(1) has developed a strategy to recruit and retain a 
diverse pool of students seeking to enter careers focused on 
maternal and perinatal health, particularly students from 
racial and ethnic minority groups and other underserved 
populations;
``(2) has developed a partnership with a practice setting 
in a health professional shortage area designated under section 
332 for the clinical placements of the school's students;
``(3) has developed a strategy to recruit and retain 
students who plan to practice in an area with significant 
racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, to 
the extent practicable; and
``(4) includes in the standard curriculum for all students 
seeking to enter careers focused on maternal and perinatal 
health a bias, racism, or discrimination training program that 
includes education on implicit bias and racism.
``(d) Reporting.--As a condition on receipt of a grant under this 
section, a school of nursing shall agree to submit to the Secretary an 
annual report on the activities conducted through the grant, including, 
to the extent practicable--
``(1) the number and demographics of students in the school 
of nursing seeking to enter careers focused on maternal and 
perinatal health;
``(2) the extent to which such students are preparing to 
enter careers in--
``(A) health professional shortage areas designated 
under section 332; and
``(B) areas with elevated rates of maternal 
mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth 
outcomes, to the extent such data are available; and
``(3) whether the standard curriculum for all students 
seeking to enter careers focused on maternal and perinatal 
health includes a bias, racism, or discrimination training 
program that includes education on implicit bias and racism.
``(e) Period of Grants.--The period of a grant under this section 
shall be up to 5 years.
``(f) Application.--To seek a grant under this section, an entity 
shall submit to the Secretary an application, at such time, in such 
manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
including any information necessary for prioritization under subsection 
(c).
``(g) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide, directly 
or by contract, technical assistance to schools of nursing seeking or 
receiving a grant under this section on the processes of awarding and 
evaluating scholarships through the grant.
``(h) Report by the Secretary.--Not later than 4 years after the 
date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall prepare and 
submit to the Congress, and post on the internet website of the 
Department of Health and Human Services, a report on the effectiveness 
of the grant program under this section at--
``(1) recruiting students from racial and ethnic minority 
groups and other underserved populations;
``(2) increasing the number of advanced practice registered 
nurses entering careers focused on maternal and perinatal 
health from racial and ethnic minority groups and other 
underserved populations;
``(3) increasing the number of advanced practice registered 
nurses entering careers focused on maternal and perinatal 
health working in health professional shortage areas designated 
under section 332; and
``(4) increasing the number of advanced practice registered 
nurses entering careers focused on maternal and perinatal 
health working in areas with significant racial and ethnic 
disparities in maternal health outcomes, to the extent such 
data are available.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, 
there is authorized to be appropriated $15,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.''.

SEC. 504. GAO REPORT.

(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act and every 5 years thereafter, the Comptroller General of 
the United States shall submit to Congress a report on barriers to 
maternal health education and access to care in the United States. Such 
report shall include the information and recommendations described in 
subsection (b).
(b) Content of Report.--The report under subsection (a) shall 
include--
(1) an assessment of current barriers to entering and 
successfully completing accredited midwifery education 
programs, and recommendations for addressing such barriers, 
particularly for low-income women and women from racial and 
ethnic minority groups;
(2) an assessment of current barriers to entering and 
successfully completing accredited education programs for other 
health professional careers related to maternity care, 
including maternity care providers, mental and behavioral 
health care providers acting in accordance with State law, and 
registered dietitians or nutrition professionals (as such term 
is defined in section 1861(vv)(2) of the Social Security Act 
(42 U.S.C. 1395x(vv)(2))), particularly for low-income women 
and women from racial and ethnic minority groups;
(3) an assessment of current barriers that prevent midwives 
from meeting the international definition of a midwife and 
global standards for midwifery education as established by the 
International Confederation of Midwives, and recommendations 
for addressing such barriers, particularly for low-income women 
and women from racial and ethnic minority groups;
(4) an assessment of disparities in access to maternity 
care providers, mental or behavioral health care providers 
acting in accordance with State law, and registered dietitians 
or nutrition professionals (as such term is defined in section 
1861(vv)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
1395x(vv)(2))), and perinatal health workers, stratified by 
race, ethnicity, gender identity, primary language, geographic 
location, and insurance type and recommendations to promote 
greater access equity; and
(5) recommendations to promote greater equity in 
compensation for perinatal health workers under public and 
private insurers, particularly for such individuals from 
racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

TITLE VI--DATA TO SAVE MOMS

SEC. 601. FUNDING FOR MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW COMMITTEES TO PROMOTE 
REPRESENTATIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

(a) In General.--Section 317K(d) of the Public Health Service Act 
(42 U.S.C. 247b-12(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Grants to promote representative community engagement 
in maternal mortality review committees.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may, using funds 
made available pursuant to subparagraph (C), provide 
assistance to an applicable maternal mortality review 
committee of a State, Indian Tribe, Tribal 
organization, or Urban Indian organization (as such 
terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Health 
Care Improvement Act)--
``(i) to select for inclusion in the 
membership of such a committee community 
members from the State, Indian Tribe, Tribal 
organization, or Urban Indian organization by--
``(I) prioritizing community 
members who can increase the diversity 
of the committee's membership with 
respect to race and ethnicity, 
location, personal or family 
experiences of maternal mortality or 
severe maternal morbidity, and 
professional background, including 
members with nonclinical experiences; 
and
``(II) to the extent applicable, 
using funds reserved under subsection 
(f), to address barriers to maternal 
mortality review committee 
participation for community members, 
including required training, 
transportation barriers, compensation, 
and other supports as may be necessary;
``(ii) to establish initiatives to conduct 
outreach and community engagement efforts 
within communities throughout the State or 
Tribe to seek input from community members on 
the work of such maternal mortality review 
committee, with a particular focus on outreach 
to women from racial and ethnic minority groups 
(as such term is defined in section 
1707(g)(1)); and
``(iii) to release public reports 
assessing--
``(I) the pregnancy-related death 
and pregnancy-associated death review 
processes of the maternal mortality 
review committee, with a particular 
focus on the maternal mortality review 
committee's sensitivity to the unique 
circumstances of pregnant and 
postpartum individuals from racial and 
ethnic minority groups (as such term is 
defined in section 1707(g)(1)) who have 
suffered pregnancy-related deaths; and
``(II) the impact of the use of 
funds made available pursuant to 
subparagraph (C) on increasing the 
diversity of the maternal mortality 
review committee membership and 
promoting community engagement efforts 
throughout the State or Tribe.
``(B) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall 
provide (either directly through the Department of 
Health and Human Services or by contract) technical 
assistance to any maternal mortality review committee 
receiving a grant under this paragraph on best 
practices for increasing the diversity of the maternal 
mortality review committee's membership and for 
conducting effective community engagement throughout 
the State or Tribe.
``(C) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition 
to any funds made available under subsection (f), there 
is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
paragraph $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 
through 2031.''.
(b) Reservation of Funds.--Section 317K(f) of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b-12(f)) is amended by adding at the end the 
following: ``Of the amount made available under the preceding sentence 
for a fiscal year, not less than $1,500,000 shall be reserved for 
grants to Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, or Urban Indian 
organizations (as those terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian 
Health Care Improvement Act)''.

SEC. 602. DATA COLLECTION AND REVIEW.

Section 317K(d)(3)(A)(i) of the Public Health Service Act (42 
U.S.C. 247b-12(d)(3)(A)(i)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subclauses (II) and (III) as 
subclauses (V) and (VI), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subclause (I) the following:
``(II) to the extent practicable, 
reviewing cases of severe maternal 
morbidity, according to the most up-to-
date indicators;
``(III) to the extent practicable, 
reviewing deaths during pregnancy or up 
to 1 year after the end of a pregnancy 
from suicide, overdose, or other death 
from a mental health condition or 
substance use disorder attributed to or 
aggravated by pregnancy or childbirth 
complications;
``(IV) to the extent practicable, 
consulting with local community-based 
organizations representing pregnant and 
postpartum individuals from demographic 
groups with elevated rates of maternal 
mortality, severe maternal morbidity, 
maternal health disparities, or other 
adverse perinatal or childbirth 
outcomes to ensure that, in addition to 
clinical factors, nonclinical factors 
that might have contributed to a 
pregnancy-related death are 
appropriately considered;''.

SEC. 603. REVIEW OF MATERNAL HEALTH DATA COLLECTION PROCESSES AND 
QUALITY MEASURES.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting 
through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid 
Services and the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and 
Quality, shall consult with relevant stakeholders--
(1) to review existing maternal health data collection 
processes and quality measures; and
(2) to make recommendations to improve such processes and 
measures, including topics described under subsection (c).
(b) Collaboration.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary 
shall consult with a diverse group of maternal health stakeholders, 
which may include--
(1) pregnant and postpartum individuals and their family 
members, and nonprofit organizations representing such 
individuals, with a particular focus on patients from racial 
and ethnic minority groups;
(2) community-based organizations that provide support for 
pregnant and postpartum individuals, with a particular focus on 
patients from demographic groups with elevated rates of 
maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(3) membership organizations for maternity care providers;
(4) organizations representing perinatal health workers;
(5) organizations that focus on maternal mental or 
behavioral health;
(6) organizations that focus on intimate partner violence;
(7) institutions of higher education, with a particular 
focus on minority-serving institutions;
(8) licensed and accredited hospitals, birth centers, 
midwifery practices, or other facilities that provide maternal 
health care services;
(9) relevant State and local public agencies, including 
State maternal mortality review committees; and
(10) the National Quality Forum, or such other standard-
setting organizations specified by the Secretary.
(c) Topics.--The review of maternal health data collection 
processes and recommendations to improve such processes and measures 
required under subsection (a) shall assess all available relevant 
information, including information from State-level sources, and shall 
consider at least the following:
(1) Current State and Tribal practices for maternal health, 
maternal mortality, and severe maternal morbidity data 
collection and dissemination, including consideration of--
(A) the timeliness of processes for amending a 
death certificate when new information pertaining to 
the death becomes available to reflect whether the 
death was a pregnancy-related death;
(B) relevant data collected with electronic health 
records, including data on race, ethnicity, primary 
language, socioeconomic status, geography, insurance 
type, and other relevant demographic information;
(C) maternal health data collected and publicly 
reported by hospitals, health systems, midwifery 
practices, and birth centers;
(D) the barriers preventing States from correlating 
maternal outcome data with data on race, ethnicity, and 
other demographic characteristics;
(E) processes for determining the cause of a 
pregnancy-associated death in States that do not have a 
maternal mortality review committee;
(F) whether maternal mortality review committees 
include multidisciplinary and diverse membership (as 
described in section 317K(d)(1)(A) of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b-12(d)(1)(A)));
(G) whether members of maternal mortality review 
committees participate in trainings on bias, racism, or 
discrimination, and the quality of such trainings;
(H) the extent to which States have implemented 
systematic processes of listening to the stories of 
pregnant and postpartum individuals and their family 
members, with a particular focus on pregnant and 
postpartum individuals from demographic groups with 
elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal 
morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other 
adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes, and their 
family members, to fully understand the causes of, and 
inform potential solutions to, the maternal mortality 
and severe maternal morbidity crisis within their 
respective States;
(I) the extent to which maternal mortality review 
committees are considering social determinants of 
maternal health when examining the causes of pregnancy-
associated and pregnancy-related deaths;
(J) the extent to which maternal mortality review 
committees are making actionable recommendations based 
on their reviews of adverse maternal health outcomes 
and the extent to which such recommendations are being 
implemented by appropriate stakeholders;
(K) the legal and administrative barriers 
preventing the collection, collation, and dissemination 
of State maternity care data;
(L) the effectiveness of data collection and 
reporting processes in separating pregnancy-associated 
deaths from pregnancy-related deaths; and
(M) the current Federal, State, local, and Tribal 
funding support for the activities referred to in 
subparagraphs (A) through (L).
(2) Whether the funding support referred to in paragraph 
(1)(M) is adequate for States to carry out optimal data 
collection and dissemination processes with respect to maternal 
health, maternal mortality, and severe maternal morbidity.
(3) Current quality measures for maternity care, including 
prenatal measures, labor and delivery measures, and postpartum 
measures, including topics such as--
(A) effective quality measures for maternity care 
used by hospitals, health systems, midwifery practices, 
birth centers, health plans, and other relevant 
entities;
(B) the sufficiency of current outcome measures 
used to evaluate maternity care for driving improved 
care, experiences, and outcomes in maternity care 
payment and delivery system models;
(C) maternal health quality measures that other 
countries effectively use;
(D) validated measures that have been used for 
research purposes that could be tested, refined, and 
submitted for national endorsement;
(E) barriers preventing maternity care providers 
and insurers from implementing quality measures that 
are aligned with best practices;
(F) the frequency with which maternity care quality 
measures are reviewed and revised;
(G) the strengths and weaknesses of the Prenatal 
and Postpartum Care measures of the Health Plan 
Employer Data and Information Set measures established 
by the National Committee for Quality Assurance;
(H) the strengths and weaknesses of maternity care 
quality measures under the Medicaid program under title 
XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) 
and the Children's Health Insurance Program under title 
XXI of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397 et seq.), including the 
extent to which States voluntarily report relevant 
measures;
(I) the extent to which maternity care quality 
measures are informed by patient experiences that 
include measures of patient-reported experience of 
care;
(J) the current processes for collecting and making 
publicly available, to the extent practicable, 
stratified data on race, ethnicity, and other 
demographic characteristics of pregnant and postpartum 
individuals in hospitals, health systems, midwifery 
practices, and birth centers, and for incorporating 
such demographically stratified data in maternity care 
quality measures;
(K) the extent to which maternity care quality 
measures account for the unique experiences of pregnant 
and postpartum individuals from racial and ethnic 
minority groups; and
(L) the extent to which hospitals, health systems, 
midwifery practices, and birth centers are implementing 
existing maternity care quality measures.
(4) Recommendations on authorizing additional funds and 
providing additional technical assistance to improve maternal 
mortality review committees and State and Tribal maternal 
health data collection and reporting processes.
(5) Recommendations for new authorities that may be granted 
to maternal mortality review committees to be able to--
(A) access records from other Federal and State 
agencies and departments that may be necessary to 
identify causes of pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-
related deaths that are unique to pregnant and 
postpartum individuals from specific populations, such 
as veterans and individuals who are incarcerated; and
(B) work with relevant experts who are not members 
of the maternal mortality review committee to assist in 
the review of pregnancy-associated deaths of pregnant 
and postpartum individuals from specific populations, 
such as veterans and individuals who are incarcerated.
(6) Recommendations to improve and standardize current 
quality measures for maternity care, with a particular focus on 
maternal health disparities.
(7) Recommendations to improve the coordination by the 
Department of Health and Human Services of the efforts 
undertaken by the agencies and organizations within the 
Department related to maternal health data and quality 
measures.
(d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary shall submit to the Congress and make publicly available 
a report on the results of the review of maternal health data 
collection processes and quality measures and recommendations to 
improve such processes and measures required under subsection (a).
(e) Definition.--In this section, the term ``maternal mortality 
review committee'' means a maternal mortality review committee duly 
authorized by a State and receiving funding under section 317K(a)(2)(D) 
of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b-12(a)(2)(D)).
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section 
for fiscal years 2027 through 2030.

SEC. 604. STUDY ON MATERNAL HEALTH AMONG AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA 
NATIVE INDIVIDUALS.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services 
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall, in 
coordination with entities described in subsection (b)--
(1) not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, 
enter into a contract with an independent research organization 
or Tribal Epidemiology Center to conduct a comprehensive study 
on maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and other 
adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes in the populations of 
American Indian and Alaska Native individuals; and
(2) not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, submit to Congress a report on such study that 
contains recommendations for policies and practices that can be 
adopted to improve maternal health outcomes for American Indian 
and Alaska Native individuals.
(b) Participating Entities.--The entities described in this 
subsection shall consist of 12 members, selected by the Secretary from 
among individuals nominated by Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations 
(as such terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)), and Urban 
Indian organizations (as such term is defined in section 4 of the 
Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603)). In selecting such 
members, the Secretary shall ensure that each of the 12 service areas 
of the Indian Health Service is represented.
(c) Contents of Study.--The study conducted pursuant to subsection 
(a) shall--
(1) examine the causes of maternal mortality and severe 
maternal morbidity that are unique to American Indian and 
Alaska Native individuals;
(2) include a systematic process of listening to the 
stories of American Indian and Alaska Native individuals to 
fully understand the causes of, and inform potential solutions 
to, the maternal health crisis within their respective 
communities;
(3) distinguish between the causes of, landscape of 
maternity care at, and recommendations to improve maternal 
health outcomes within, the different settings in which 
American Indian and Alaska Native individuals receive maternity 
care, such as--
(A) facilities operated by the Indian Health 
Service;
(B) an Indian health program operated by an Indian 
Tribe or Tribal organization pursuant to a contract, 
grant, cooperative agreement, or compact with the 
Indian Health Service pursuant to the Indian Self-
Determination Act;
(C) an urban Indian health program operated by an 
Urban Indian organization pursuant to a grant or 
contract with the Indian Health Service pursuant to 
title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act; and
(D) facilities outside of the Indian Health Service 
in which American Indian and Alaska Native individuals 
receive maternity care services;
(4) review processes for coordinating programs of the 
Indian Health Service with social services provided through 
other programs administered by the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services (other than the Medicare Program under title 
XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.)), the 
Medicaid Program under title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et 
seq.), and the Children's Health Insurance Program under title 
XXI of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397 et seq.);
(5) review current data collection and quality measurement 
processes and practices;
(6) assess causes and frequency of maternal mental health 
conditions and substance use disorders;
(7) consider social determinants of health, including 
poverty, lack of health insurance, unemployment, sexual and 
domestic violence, and environmental conditions in Tribal 
areas;
(8) consider the role that historical mistreatment of 
American Indian and Alaska Native women has played in causing 
currently elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal 
morbidity, and other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(9) consider how current funding of the Indian Health 
Service affects the ability of the Service to deliver quality 
maternity care;
(10) consider the extent to which the delivery of maternity 
care services is culturally appropriate for American Indian and 
Alaska Native individuals;
(11) make recommendations to reduce misclassification of 
American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, including 
consideration of best practices in training for maternal 
mortality review committee members to be able to correctly 
classify American Indian and Alaska Native individuals; and
(12) make recommendations informed by the stories shared by 
American Indian and Alaska Native individuals referred to in 
paragraph (2) to improve maternal health outcomes for such 
individuals.
(d) Report.--The agreement entered into under subsection (a) with 
an independent research organization or Tribal Epidemiology Center 
shall require that the organization or Center transmit to Congress a 
report on the results of the study conducted pursuant to that agreement 
not later than 36 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2029.

SEC. 605. GRANTS TO MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS TO STUDY MATERNAL 
MORTALITY, SEVERE MATERNAL MORBIDITY, AND OTHER ADVERSE 
MATERNAL HEALTH OUTCOMES.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall 
establish a program under which the Secretary shall award grants to 
research centers, health professions schools and programs, and other 
entities at minority-serving institutions to study specific aspects of 
the maternal health crisis among pregnant and postpartum individuals 
from racial and ethnic minority groups. Such research may--
(1) include the development and implementation of 
systematic processes of listening to the stories of pregnant 
and postpartum individuals from racial and ethnic minority 
groups, and perinatal health workers supporting such 
individuals, to fully understand the causes of, and inform 
potential solutions to, the maternal mortality and severe 
maternal morbidity crisis within their respective communities;
(2) assess the potential causes of relatively low rates of 
maternal mortality among Hispanic individuals, including 
potential racial misclassification and other data collection 
and reporting issues that might be misrepresenting maternal 
mortality rates among Hispanic individuals in the United 
States;
(3) assess differences in rates of adverse maternal health 
outcomes among subgroups identifying as Hispanic, including 
disparities in access to early prenatal care; and
(4) include lactation education to promote racial and 
ethnic diversity within the workforce of health care 
professionals with breastfeeding and lactation expertise.
(b) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
subsection (a), an entity described in such subsection shall submit to 
the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and 
containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(c) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may use not more than 10 
percent of the funds made available under subsection (g)--
(1) to conduct outreach to minority-serving institutions to 
raise awareness of the availability of grants under subsection 
(a);
(2) to provide technical assistance in the application 
process for such a grant; and
(3) to promote capacity building as needed to enable 
entities described in such subsection to submit such an 
application.
(d) Reporting Requirement.--Each entity awarded a grant under this 
section shall periodically submit to the Secretary a report on the 
status of activities conducted using the grant.
(e) Evaluation.--Beginning 1 year after the date on which the first 
grant is awarded under this section, the Secretary shall submit to 
Congress an annual report summarizing the findings of research 
conducted using funds made available under this section.
(f) Minority-Serving Institutions Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``minority-serving institution'' has the meaning given the term in 
section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1067q(a)).
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.

TITLE VII--MOMS MATTER

SEC. 701. MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH EQUITY GRANT PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting 
through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, 
shall establish a program to award grants to eligible entities to 
address maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders, 
with a focus on demographic groups with elevated rates of maternal 
mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, or 
other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes.
(b) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this 
section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an 
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
information as the Secretary may require.
(c) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary 
shall give priority to an eligible entity that--
(1) is, or will partner with, a community-based 
organization to address maternal mental health conditions and 
substance use disorders described in subsection (a);
(2) is operating in an area with elevated rates of maternal 
mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes; 
and
(3) is operating in a health professional shortage area 
designated under section 332 of the Public Health Service Act 
(42 U.S.C. 254e).
(d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under 
this section shall use the grant for the following:
(1) Establishing or expanding maternity care programs to 
improve the integration of maternal mental health and 
behavioral health care services into primary care settings 
where pregnant individuals regularly receive health care 
services.
(2) Establishing or expanding group prenatal care programs 
or postpartum care programs.
(3) Expanding existing programs that improve maternal 
mental and behavioral health during the prenatal and postpartum 
periods, with a focus on individuals from demographic groups 
with elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal 
morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other adverse 
perinatal or childbirth outcomes.
(4) Providing services and support for pregnant and 
postpartum individuals with maternal mental health conditions 
and substance use disorders, including referrals to addiction 
treatment centers that offer evidence-based treatment options.
(5) Addressing stigma associated with maternal mental 
health conditions and substance use disorders, with a focus on 
individuals from demographic groups with elevated rates of 
maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes.
(6) Raising awareness of warning signs of maternal mental 
health conditions and substance use disorders, with a focus on 
pregnant and postpartum individuals from demographic groups 
with elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal 
morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other adverse 
perinatal or childbirth outcomes.
(7) Establishing or expanding programs to prevent suicide 
or self-harm among pregnant and postpartum individuals.
(8) Offering evidence-aligned programs at freestanding 
birth centers that provide maternal mental and behavioral 
health care education, treatments, and services, and other 
services for individuals throughout the prenatal and postpartum 
period.
(9) Establishing or expanding programs to provide education 
and training to maternity care providers with respect to--
(A) identifying potential warning signs for 
maternal mental health conditions or substance use 
disorders in pregnant and postpartum individuals, with 
a focus on individuals from demographic groups with 
elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal 
morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other 
adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes; and
(B) in the case where such providers identify such 
warning signs, offering referrals to mental and 
behavioral health care professionals.
(10) Developing a website, or other source, that includes 
information on health care providers who treat maternal mental 
health conditions and substance use disorders.
(11) Establishing or expanding programs in communities to 
improve coordination between maternity care providers and 
mental and behavioral health care providers who treat maternal 
mental health conditions and substance use disorders, including 
through the use of toll-free hotlines.
(12) Carrying out other programs aligned with evidence-
based practices for addressing maternal mental health 
conditions and substance use disorders for pregnant and 
postpartum individuals from demographic groups with elevated 
rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, 
maternal health disparities, or other adverse perinatal or 
childbirth outcomes.
(e) Reporting.--
(1) Eligible entities.--An eligible entity that receives a 
grant under subsection (a) shall submit annually to the 
Secretary, and make publicly available, a report on the 
activities conducted using funds received through a grant under 
this section. Such reports shall include quantitative and 
qualitative evaluations of such activities, including the 
experience of individuals who received health care through such 
grant.
(2) Secretary.--Not later than the end of fiscal year 2030, 
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes--
(A) a summary of the reports received under 
paragraph (1);
(B) an evaluation of the effectiveness of grants 
awarded under this section;
(C) recommendations with respect to expanding 
coverage of evidence-based screenings and treatments 
for maternal mental health conditions and substance use 
disorders; and
(D) recommendations with respect to ensuring 
activities described under subsection (d) continue 
after the end of a grant period.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a community-based organization serving pregnant 
and postpartum individuals, including such 
organizations serving individuals from demographic 
groups with elevated rates of maternal mortality, 
severe maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, 
or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(B) a nonprofit or patient advocacy organization 
with expertise in maternal mental and behavioral 
health;
(C) a maternity care provider;
(D) a mental or behavioral health care provider who 
treats maternal mental health conditions or substance 
use disorders;
(E) a State or local governmental entity, including 
a State or local public health department;
(F) an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization (as such 
terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
5304)); and
(G) an Urban Indian organization (as such term is 
defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care 
Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603)).
(2) Freestanding birth center.--The term ``freestanding 
birth center'' has the meaning given that term under section 
1905(l) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(1)).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of Health and Human Services.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, 
there is authorized to be appropriated $25,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.

SEC. 702. GRANTS TO GROW AND DIVERSIFY THE MATERNAL MENTAL AND 
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE.

Title VII of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting 
after section 758 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 294f), as added by section 402 
of this Act, the following new section:

``SEC. 758A. MATERNAL MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE 
GRANTS.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary may award grants to entities to 
establish or expand programs described in subsection (b) to grow and 
diversify the maternal mental and behavioral health care workforce.
``(b) Use of Funds.--Recipients of grants under this section shall 
use the grants to grow and diversify the maternal mental and behavioral 
health care workforce by--
``(1) establishing schools or programs that provide 
education and training to individuals seeking appropriate 
licensing or certification as mental or behavioral health care 
providers who will specialize in maternal mental health 
conditions or substance use disorders; or
``(2) expanding the capacity of existing schools or 
programs described in paragraph (1), for the purposes of 
increasing the number of students enrolled in such schools or 
programs, including by awarding scholarships for students.
``(c) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall give priority to any entity that--
``(1) has demonstrated a commitment to recruiting and 
retaining students and faculty from racial and ethnic minority 
groups;
``(2) has developed a strategy to recruit and retain a 
diverse pool of students into the maternal mental or behavioral 
health care workforce program or school supported by funds 
received through the grant, particularly from racial and ethnic 
minority groups and other underserved populations;
``(3) has developed a strategy to recruit and retain 
students who plan to practice in a health professional shortage 
area designated under section 332;
``(4) has developed a strategy to recruit and retain 
students who plan to practice in an area with significant 
maternal health disparities, to the extent practicable; and
``(5) includes in the standard curriculum for all students 
within the maternal mental or behavioral health care workforce 
program or school a bias, racism, or discrimination training 
program that includes training on implicit bias and racism.
``(d) Reporting.--As a condition on receipt of a grant under this 
section for a maternal mental or behavioral health care workforce 
program or school, an entity shall agree to submit to the Secretary an 
annual report on the activities conducted through the grant, 
including--
``(1) the number and demographics of students participating 
in the program or school;
``(2) the extent to which students in the program or school 
are entering careers in--
``(A) health professional shortage areas designated 
under section 332; and
``(B) areas with significant maternal health 
disparities, to the extent such data are available; and
``(3) whether the program or school has included in the 
standard curriculum for all students a bias, racism, or 
discrimination training program that includes training on 
implicit bias and racism, and if so the effectiveness of such 
training program.
``(e) Period of Grants.--The period of a grant under this section 
shall be up to 5 years.
``(f) Application.--To seek a grant under this section, an entity 
shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such 
manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
including any information necessary for prioritization under subsection 
(c).
``(g) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide, directly 
or by contract, technical assistance to entities seeking or receiving a 
grant under this section on the development, use, evaluation, and 
postgrant period sustainability of the maternal mental or behavioral 
health care workforce programs or schools proposed to be, or being, 
established or expanded through the grant.
``(h) Report by the Secretary.--Not later than 4 years after the 
date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall prepare and 
submit to the Congress, and post on the internet website of the 
Department of Health and Human Services, a report on the effectiveness 
of the grant program under this section at--
``(1) recruiting students from racial and ethnic minority 
groups and other underserved populations;
``(2) increasing the number of mental or behavioral health 
care providers specializing in maternal mental health 
conditions or substance use disorders from racial and ethnic 
minority groups and other underserved populations;
``(3) increasing the number of mental or behavioral health 
care providers specializing in maternal mental health 
conditions or substance use disorders working in health 
professional shortage areas designated under section 332; and
``(4) increasing the number of mental or behavioral health 
care providers specializing in maternal mental health 
conditions or substance use disorders working in areas with 
significant maternal health disparities, to the extent such 
data are available.
``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Racial and ethnic minority group.--The term `racial 
and ethnic minority group' has the meaning given such term in 
section 1707(g)(1).
``(2) Mental or behavioral health care provider.--The term 
`mental or behavioral health care provider' refers to a health 
care provider in the field of mental and behavioral health, 
including substance use disorders, acting in accordance with 
State law.
``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, 
there is authorized to be appropriated $15,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.''.

TITLE VIII--JUSTICE FOR INCARCERATED MOMS

SEC. 801. ENDING THE SHACKLING OF PREGNANT INDIVIDUALS.

(a) In General.--Beginning on the date that is 6 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, in each State 
that receives a grant under subpart 1 of part E of title I of the 
Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10151 et 
seq.) (commonly referred to as the ``Edward Byrne Memorial Justice 
Grant Program'') and that does not have in effect throughout the State 
for such fiscal year laws restricting the use of restraints on pregnant 
individuals in prison that are substantially similar to the rights, 
procedures, requirements, effects, and penalties set forth in section 
4322 of title 18, United States Code, the amount of such grant that 
would otherwise be allocated to such State under such subpart for the 
fiscal year shall be decreased by 25 percent.
(b) Reallocation.--Amounts not allocated to a State for failure to 
comply with subsection (a) shall be reallocated in accordance with 
subpart 1 of part E of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe 
Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10151 et seq.) to States that have 
complied with such subsection.

SEC. 802. CREATING MODEL PROGRAMS FOR THE CARE OF INCARCERATED 
INDIVIDUALS IN THE PRENATAL AND POSTPARTUM PERIODS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the 
Bureau of Prisons, shall establish, in not fewer than 6 Bureau of 
Prisons facilities, programs to optimize maternal health outcomes for 
pregnant and postpartum individuals incarcerated in such facilities. 
The Attorney General shall establish such programs in consultation with 
stakeholders such as--
(1) relevant community-based organizations, particularly 
organizations that represent incarcerated and formerly 
incarcerated individuals and organizations that seek to improve 
maternal health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum 
individuals from demographic groups with elevated rates of 
maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(2) relevant organizations representing patients, with a 
particular focus on patients from demographic groups with 
elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal 
morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other adverse 
perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(3) organizations representing maternity care providers and 
maternal health care education programs;
(4) perinatal health workers; and
(5) researchers and policy experts in fields related to 
maternal health care for incarcerated individuals.
(b) Start Date.--Each selected facility shall begin facility 
programs not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this 
Act.
(c) Facility Priority.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Director shall give priority to a facility based on--
(1) the number of pregnant and postpartum individuals 
incarcerated in such facility and, among such individuals, the 
number of pregnant and postpartum individuals from demographic 
groups with elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe 
maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other 
adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes; and
(2) the extent to which the leaders of such facility have 
demonstrated a commitment to developing exemplary programs for 
pregnant and postpartum individuals incarcerated in such 
facility.
(d) Program Duration.--The programs established under this section 
shall be for a 5-year period.
(e) Programs.--Bureau of Prisons facilities selected by the 
Director shall establish programs for pregnant and postpartum 
incarcerated individuals, and such programs may--
(1) provide access to perinatal health workers from 
pregnancy through the postpartum period;
(2) provide access to healthy foods and counseling on 
nutrition, recommended activity levels, and safety measures 
throughout pregnancy;
(3) train correctional officers to ensure that pregnant 
incarcerated individuals receive safe and respectful treatment;
(4) train medical personnel to ensure that pregnant 
incarcerated individuals receive trauma-informed, culturally 
and linguistically congruent care that promotes the health and 
safety of the pregnant individuals;
(5) provide counseling and treatment for individuals who 
have suffered from--
(A) diagnosed mental or behavioral health 
conditions, including trauma and substance use 
disorders;
(B) trauma or violence, including domestic 
violence;
(C) human immunodeficiency virus;
(D) sexual abuse;
(E) pregnancy or infant loss; or
(F) chronic conditions;
(6) provide evidence-based pregnancy and childbirth 
education, parenting support, and other relevant forms of 
health literacy;
(7) provide clinical education opportunities to maternity 
care providers in training to expand pathways into maternal 
health care careers serving incarcerated individuals;
(8) offer opportunities for postpartum individuals to 
maintain contact with the individual's newborn child to promote 
bonding, including enhanced visitation policies, access to 
prison nursery programs, or breastfeeding support;
(9) provide reentry assistance, particularly to--
(A) ensure access to health insurance coverage and 
transfer of health records to community providers if an 
incarcerated individual exits the criminal justice 
system during such individual's pregnancy or in the 
postpartum period; and
(B) connect individuals exiting the criminal 
justice system during pregnancy or in the postpartum 
period to community-based resources, such as referrals 
to health care providers, substance use disorder 
treatments, and social services that address social 
determinants maternal of health; or
(10) establish partnerships with local public entities, 
private community entities, community-based organizations, 
Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations (as such terms are 
defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)), and Urban Indian 
organizations (as such term is defined in section 4 of the 
Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603)) to 
establish or expand pretrial diversion programs as an 
alternative to incarceration for pregnant and postpartum 
individuals. Such programs may include--
(A) evidence-based childbirth education or 
parenting classes;
(B) prenatal health coordination;
(C) family and individual counseling;
(D) evidence-based screenings, education, and, as 
needed, treatment for mental and behavioral health 
conditions, including drug and alcohol treatments;
(E) family case management services;
(F) domestic violence education and prevention;
(G) physical and sexual abuse counseling; and
(H) programs to address social determinants of 
health such as employment, housing, education, 
transportation, and nutrition.
(f) Implementation and Reporting.--A selected facility shall be 
responsible for--
(1) implementing programs, which may include the programs 
described in subsection (e); and
(2) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, and 6 years after the date of enactment of this Act, 
reporting results of the programs to the Director, including 
information describing--
(A) relevant quantitative indicators of success in 
improving the standard of care and health outcomes for 
pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals in the 
facility, including data stratified by race, ethnicity, 
sex, gender, primary language, age, geography, 
disability status, the category of the criminal charge 
against such individual, rates of pregnancy-related 
deaths, pregnancy-associated deaths, cases of infant 
mortality and morbidity, rates of preterm births and 
low-birthweight births, cases of severe maternal 
morbidity, cases of violence against pregnant or 
postpartum individuals, diagnoses of maternal mental or 
behavioral health conditions, and other such 
information as appropriate;
(B) relevant qualitative and quantitative 
evaluations from pregnant and postpartum incarcerated 
individuals who participated in such programs, 
including measures of patient-reported experience of 
care; and
(C) strategies to sustain such programs after 
fiscal year 2031 and expand such programs to other 
facilities.
(g) Report.--Not later than 6 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Director shall submit to the Attorney General and to the 
Congress a report describing the results of the programs funded under 
this section.
(h) Oversight.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Attorney General shall award a contract to an 
independent organization or independent organizations to conduct 
oversight of the programs described in subsection (e).
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.

SEC. 803. GRANT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE MATERNAL HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR 
INDIVIDUALS IN STATE AND LOCAL PRISONS AND JAILS.

(a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Attorney General, acting through the 
Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, shall award Justice for 
Incarcerated Moms grants to States to establish or expand programs in 
State and local prisons and jails for pregnant and postpartum 
incarcerated individuals. The Attorney General shall award such grants 
in consultation with stakeholders such as--
(1) relevant community-based organizations, particularly 
organizations that represent incarcerated and formerly 
incarcerated individuals and organizations that seek to improve 
maternal health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum 
individuals from demographic groups with elevated rates of 
maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(2) relevant organizations representing patients, with a 
particular focus on patients from demographic groups with 
elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal 
morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other adverse 
perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(3) organizations representing maternity care providers and 
maternal health care education programs;
(4) perinatal health workers; and
(5) researchers and policy experts in fields related to 
maternal health care for incarcerated individuals.
(b) Applications.--Each applicant for a grant under this section 
shall submit to the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance an 
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
information as the Director may require.
(c) Use of Funds.--A State that is awarded a grant under this 
section shall use such grant to establish or expand programs for 
pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals, and such programs 
may--
(1) provide access to perinatal health workers from 
pregnancy through the postpartum period;
(2) provide access to healthy foods and counseling on 
nutrition, recommended activity levels, and safety measures 
throughout pregnancy;
(3) train correctional officers to ensure that pregnant 
incarcerated individuals receive safe and respectful treatment;
(4) train medical personnel to ensure that pregnant 
incarcerated individuals receive trauma-informed, culturally 
and linguistically congruent care that promotes the health and 
safety of the pregnant individuals;
(5) provide counseling and treatment for individuals who 
have suffered from--
(A) diagnosed mental or behavioral health 
conditions, including trauma and substance use 
disorders;
(B) trauma or violence, including domestic 
violence;
(C) human immunodeficiency virus;
(D) sexual abuse;
(E) pregnancy or infant loss; or
(F) chronic conditions;
(6) provide evidence-based pregnancy and childbirth 
education, parenting support, and other relevant forms of 
health literacy;
(7) provide clinical education opportunities to maternity 
care providers in training to expand pathways into maternal 
health care careers serving incarcerated individuals;
(8) offer opportunities for postpartum individuals to 
maintain contact with the individual's newborn child to promote 
bonding, including enhanced visitation policies, access to 
prison nursery programs, or breastfeeding support;
(9) provide reentry assistance, particularly to--
(A) ensure access to health insurance coverage and 
transfer of health records to community providers if an 
incarcerated individual exits the criminal justice 
system during such individual's pregnancy or in the 
postpartum period; and
(B) connect individuals exiting the criminal 
justice system during pregnancy or in the postpartum 
period to community-based resources, such as referrals 
to health care providers, substance use disorder 
treatments, and social services that address social 
determinants of maternal health; or
(10) establish partnerships with local public entities, 
private community entities, community-based organizations, 
Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations (as such terms are 
defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)), and Urban Indian 
organizations (as such term is defined in section 4 of the 
Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603)) to 
establish or expand pretrial diversion programs as an 
alternative to incarceration for pregnant and postpartum 
individuals. Such programs may include--
(A) evidence-based childbirth education or 
parenting classes;
(B) prenatal health coordination;
(C) family and individual counseling;
(D) evidence-based screenings, education, and, as 
needed, treatment for mental and behavioral health 
conditions, including drug and alcohol treatments;
(E) family case management services;
(F) domestic violence education and prevention;
(G) physical and sexual abuse counseling; and
(H) programs to address social determinants of 
health such as employment, housing, education, 
transportation, and nutrition.
(d) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Director 
of the Bureau of Justice Assistance shall give priority to applicants 
based on--
(1) the number of pregnant and postpartum individuals 
incarcerated in the State and, among such individuals, the 
number of pregnant and postpartum individuals from demographic 
groups with elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe 
maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other 
adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes; and
(2) the extent to which the State has demonstrated a 
commitment to developing exemplary programs for pregnant and 
postpartum individuals incarcerated in the prisons and jails in 
the State.
(e) Grant Duration.--A grant awarded under this section shall be 
for a 5-year period.
(f) Implementing and Reporting.--A State that receives a grant 
under this section shall be responsible for--
(1) implementing the program funded by the grant; and
(2) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, and 6 years after the date of enactment of this Act, 
reporting results of such program to the Attorney General, 
including information describing--
(A) relevant quantitative indicators of the 
program's success in improving the standard of care and 
health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum 
incarcerated individuals in the facility, including 
data stratified by race, ethnicity, sex, gender, 
primary language, age, geography, disability status, 
category of the criminal charge against such 
individual, incidence rates of pregnancy-related 
deaths, pregnancy-associated deaths, cases of infant 
mortality and morbidity, rates of preterm births and 
low-birthweight births, cases of severe maternal 
morbidity, cases of violence against pregnant or 
postpartum individuals, diagnoses of maternal mental or 
behavioral health conditions, and other such 
information as appropriate;
(B) relevant qualitative and quantitative 
evaluations from pregnant and postpartum incarcerated 
individuals who participated in such programs, 
including measures of patient-reported experience of 
care; and
(C) strategies to sustain such programs beyond the 
duration of the grant and expand such programs to other 
facilities.
(g) Report.--Not later than 6 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Attorney General shall submit to the Congress a report 
describing the results of such grant programs.
(h) Oversight.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Attorney General shall award a contract to an 
independent organization or independent organizations to conduct 
oversight of the programs described in subsection (c).
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.

SEC. 804. GAO REPORT.

(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit 
to Congress a report on adverse maternal and infant health outcomes 
among incarcerated individuals and infants born to such individuals, 
with a particular focus on racial and ethnic disparities in maternal 
and infant health outcomes for incarcerated individuals.
(b) Contents of Report.--The report described in this section shall 
include--
(1) to the extent practicable--
(A) the number of pregnant individuals who are 
incarcerated in Bureau of Prisons facilities;
(B) the number of incarcerated individuals, 
including those incarcerated in Federal, State, and 
local correctional facilities, who have experienced a 
pregnancy-related death, pregnancy-associated death, or 
the death of an infant in the most recent 10 years of 
available data;
(C) the number of cases of severe maternal 
morbidity among incarcerated individuals, including 
those incarcerated in Federal, State, and local 
detention facilities, in the most recent 10 years of 
available data;
(D) the number of preterm and low-birthweight 
births of infants born to incarcerated individuals, 
including those incarcerated in Federal, State, and 
local correctional facilities, in the most recent 10 
years of available data; and
(E) statistics on the racial and ethnic disparities 
in maternal and infant health outcomes and severe 
maternal morbidity rates among incarcerated 
individuals, including those incarcerated in Federal, 
State, and local detention facilities;
(2) in the case that the Comptroller General of the United 
States is unable determine the information required in 
subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (1), an assessment 
of the barriers to determining such information and 
recommendations for improvements in tracking maternal health 
outcomes among incarcerated individuals, including those 
incarcerated in Federal, State, and local detention facilities;
(3) the implications of pregnant and postpartum 
incarcerated individuals being ineligible for medical 
assistance under a State plan under title XIX of the Social 
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) including information 
about--
(A) the effects of such ineligibility on maternal 
health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum 
incarcerated individuals, with emphasis given to such 
effects for pregnant and postpartum individuals from 
racial and ethnic minority groups; and
(B) potential implications on maternal health 
outcomes resulting from temporarily suspending, rather 
than permanently terminating, such eligibility when a 
pregnant or postpartum individual is incarcerated;
(4) the extent to which Federal, State, and local 
correctional facilities are holding pregnant and postpartum 
individuals who test positive for illicit drug use in detention 
with special conditions, such as additional bond requirements, 
due to the individual's drug use, and the effect of such 
detention policies on maternal and infant health outcomes;
(5) causes of adverse maternal health outcomes that are 
unique to incarcerated individuals, including those 
incarcerated in Federal, State, and local detention facilities;
(6) causes of adverse maternal health outcomes and severe 
maternal morbidity that are unique to incarcerated individuals 
from racial and ethnic minority groups;
(7) recommendations to reduce maternal mortality and severe 
maternal morbidity among incarcerated individuals and to 
address racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health 
outcomes for incarcerated individuals in Bureau of Prisons 
facilities and State and local prisons and jails; and
(8) such other information as may be appropriate to reduce 
the occurrence of adverse maternal health outcomes among 
incarcerated individuals and to address racial and ethnic 
disparities in maternal health outcomes for such individuals.

TITLE IX--TECH TO SAVE MOMS

SEC. 901. INTEGRATED TELEHEALTH MODELS IN MATERNITY CARE SERVICES.

(a) In General.--Section 1115A(b)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act 
(42 U.S.C. 1315a(b)(2)(B)) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(xxviii) Focusing on title XIX, providing 
for the adoption of and use of telehealth tools 
that allow for screening, monitoring, and 
management of common health complications with 
respect to an individual receiving medical 
assistance during such individual's pregnancy 
and for not more than a 1-year period beginning 
on the last day of the pregnancy.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 902. GRANTS TO EXPAND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED COLLABORATIVE 
LEARNING AND CAPACITY MODELS FOR PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM 
INDIVIDUALS.

Title III of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting 
after section 330P (42 U.S.C. 254c-22) the following:

``SEC. 330Q. EXPANDING CAPACITY FOR MATERNAL HEALTH OUTCOMES.

``(a) Establishment.--Beginning not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall award grants to 
eligible entities to evaluate, develop, and expand the use of 
technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models 
and improve maternal health outcomes--
``(1) in health professional shortage areas;
``(2) in areas with high rates of maternal mortality and 
severe maternal morbidity;
``(3) in rural and underserved areas;
``(4) in areas with significant maternal health 
disparities; and
``(5) for medically underserved populations and American 
Indians and Alaska Natives, including Indian Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, and Urban Indian organizations.
``(b) Use of Funds.--
``(1) Required uses.--Recipients of grants under this 
section shall use the grants to--
``(A) train maternal health care providers, 
students, and other similar professionals through 
models that include--
``(i) methods to increase safety and health 
care quality;
``(ii) implicit bias, racism, and 
discrimination;
``(iii) best practices in screening for 
and, as needed, evaluating and treating 
maternal mental health conditions and substance 
use disorders;
``(iv) training on best practices in 
maternity care for pregnant and postpartum 
individuals during public health emergencies;
``(v) methods to screen for social 
determinants of maternal health risks in the 
prenatal and postpartum; and
``(vi) the use of remote patient monitoring 
tools for pregnancy-related complications 
described in section 1115A(b)(2)(B)(xxviii);
``(B) evaluate and collect information on the 
effect of such models on--
``(i) access to and quality of care;
``(ii) outcomes with respect to the health 
of an individual; and
``(iii) the experience of individuals who 
receive pregnancy-related health care;
``(C) develop qualitative and quantitative measures 
to identify best practices for the expansion and use of 
such models;
``(D) study the effect of such models on patient 
outcomes and maternity care providers; and
``(E) conduct any other activity determined by the 
Secretary.
``(2) Permissible uses.--Recipients of grants under this 
section may use grants to support--
``(A) the use and expansion of technology-enabled 
collaborative learning and capacity building models, 
including hardware and software that--
``(i) enables distance learning and 
technical support; and
``(ii) supports the secure exchange of 
electronic health information; and
``(B) maternity care providers, students, and other 
similar professionals in the provision of maternity 
care through such models.
``(c) Application.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under 
subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary an application, at 
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as 
the Secretary may require.
``(2) Assurance.--An application under paragraph (1) shall 
include an assurance that such entity shall collect information 
on and assess the effect of the use of technology-enabled 
collaborative learning and capacity building models, including 
with respect to--
``(A) maternal health outcomes;
``(B) access to maternal health care services;
``(C) quality of maternal health care; and
``(D) retention of maternity care providers serving 
areas and populations described in subsection (a).
``(d) Limitations.--
``(1) Number.--The Secretary may not award more than 1 
grant under this section.
``(2) Duration.--A grant awarded under this section shall 
be for a 5-year period.
``(e) Access to Broadband.--In administering grants under this 
section, the Secretary may coordinate with other agencies to ensure 
that funding opportunities are available to support access to reliable, 
high-speed internet for grantees.
``(f) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide (either 
directly or by contract) technical assistance to eligible entities, 
including recipients of grants under subsection (a), on the 
development, use, and sustainability of technology-enabled 
collaborative learning and capacity building models to expand access to 
maternal health care services provided by such entities, including--
``(1) in health professional shortage areas;
``(2) in areas with high rates of maternal mortality and 
severe maternal morbidity or significant maternal health 
disparities;
``(3) in rural and underserved areas; and
``(4) for medically underserved populations or American 
Indians and Alaska Natives.
``(g) Research and Evaluation.--The Secretary, in consultation with 
experts, shall develop a strategic plan to research and evaluate the 
evidence for technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity 
building models.
``(h) Reporting.--
``(1) Eligible entities.--An eligible entity that receives 
a grant under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary a 
report, at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
information as the Secretary may require.
``(2) Secretary.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Congress, and make available on the website of the Department 
of Health and Human Services, a report that includes--
``(A) a description of grants awarded under 
subsection (a) and the purpose and amounts of such 
grants;
``(B) a summary of--
``(i) the evaluations conducted under 
subsection (b)(1)(B);
``(ii) any technical assistance provided 
under subsection (f); and
``(iii) the activities conducted under 
subsection (a); and
``(C) a description of any significant findings 
with respect to--
``(i) patient outcomes; and
``(ii) best practices for expanding, using, 
or evaluating technology-enabled collaborative 
learning and capacity building models.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section, $6,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.
``(j) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible entity.--
``(A) In general.--The term `eligible entity' means 
an entity that provides, or supports the provision of, 
maternal health care services or other evidence-based 
services for pregnant and postpartum individuals--
``(i) in health professional shortage 
areas;
``(ii) in rural or underserved areas;
``(iii) in areas with high rates of adverse 
maternal health outcomes or significant racial 
and ethnic disparities in maternal health 
outcomes; and
``(iv) who are--
``(I) members of medically 
underserved populations; or
``(II) American Indians and Alaska 
Natives, including Indian Tribes, 
Tribal organizations, and Urban Indian 
organizations.
``(B) Inclusions.--An eligible entity may include 
entities that lead, or are capable of leading a 
technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity 
building model.
``(2) Health professional shortage area.--The term `health 
professional shortage area' means a health professional 
shortage area designated under section 332.
``(3) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the 
meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act.
``(4) Maternal mortality.--The term `maternal mortality' 
means a death occurring during or within 1-year period after 
pregnancy caused by pregnancy-related or childbirth 
complications, including a suicide, overdose, or other death 
resulting from a mental health or substance use disorder 
attributed to or aggravated by pregnancy or childbirth 
complications.
``(5) Medically underserved population.--The term 
`medically underserved population' has the meaning given such 
term in section 330(b)(3).
``(6) Postpartum.--The term `postpartum' means the 1-year 
period beginning on the last date of an individual's pregnancy.
``(7) Severe maternal morbidity.--The term `severe maternal 
morbidity' means a health condition, including a mental health 
or substance use disorder, attributed to or aggravated by 
pregnancy or childbirth that results in significant short-term 
or long-term consequences to the health of the individual who 
was pregnant.
``(8) Technology-enabled collaborative learning and 
capacity building model.--The term `technology-enabled 
collaborative learning and capacity building model' means a 
distance health education model that connects health care 
professionals, and other specialists, through simultaneous 
interactive video conferencing for the purpose of facilitating 
case-based learning, disseminating best practices, and 
evaluating outcomes in the context of maternal health care.
``(9) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal organization' 
has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian 
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
``(10) Urban indian organization.--The term `Urban Indian 
organization' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of 
the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.''.

SEC. 903. GRANTS TO PROMOTE EQUITY IN MATERNAL HEALTH OUTCOMES THROUGH 
DIGITAL TOOLS.

(a) In General.--Beginning not later than 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
(in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall make grants to 
eligible entities to reduce maternal health disparities by increasing 
access to digital tools related to maternal health care, including 
provider-facing technologies, such as early warning systems and 
clinical decision support mechanisms.
(b) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this 
section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an 
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
information as the Secretary may require.
(c) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall prioritize an eligible entity--
(1) in an area with elevated rates of maternal mortality, 
severe maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, or 
other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(2) in a health professional shortage area designated under 
section 332 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254e) 
or a rural or underserved area; and
(3) that promotes technology that addresses maternal health 
disparities.
(d) Limitations.--
(1) Number.--The Secretary may award not more than 1 grant 
under this section.
(2) Duration.--A grant awarded under this section shall be 
for a 5-year period.
(e) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide technical 
assistance to an eligible entity on the development, use, evaluation, 
and postgrant sustainability of digital tools for purposes of promoting 
equity in maternal health outcomes.
(f) Reporting.--
(1) Eligible entities.--An eligible entity that receives a 
grant under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary a 
report, at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
information as the Secretary may require.
(2) Secretary.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
Congress a report that includes--
(A) an evaluation on the effectiveness of grants 
awarded under this section to improve maternal health 
outcomes, particularly for pregnant and postpartum 
individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups;
(B) recommendations on new grant programs that 
promote the use of technology to improve such maternal 
health outcomes; and
(C) recommendations with respect to--
(i) technology-based privacy and security 
safeguards in maternal health care;
(ii) reimbursement rates for maternal 
telehealth services;
(iii) the use of digital tools to analyze 
large data sets to identify potential 
pregnancy-related complications;
(iv) barriers that prevent maternity care 
providers from providing telehealth services 
across States;
(v) the use of consumer digital tools such 
as mobile phone applications, patient portals, 
and wearable technologies to improve maternal 
health outcomes;
(vi) barriers that prevent access to 
telehealth services, including a lack of access 
to reliable, high-speed internet or electronic 
devices;
(vii) barriers to data sharing between the 
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for 
Women, Infants, and Children program and 
maternity care providers, and recommendations 
for addressing such barriers; and
(viii) lessons learned from expanded access 
to telehealth related to maternity care during 
the COVID-19 public health emergency.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $6,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.

SEC. 904. REPORT ON THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN MATERNITY CARE.

(a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall seek to 
enter an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, 
Engineering, and Medicine (referred to in this Act as the ``National 
Academies'') under which the National Academies shall conduct a study 
on the use of technology and patient monitoring devices in maternity 
care.
(b) Content.--The agreement entered into pursuant to subsection (a) 
shall provide for the study of the following:
(1) The use of innovative technology (including artificial 
intelligence) in maternal health care, including the extent to 
which such technology has affected racial or ethnic biases in 
maternal health care.
(2) The use of patient monitoring devices (including pulse 
oximeter devices) in maternal health care, including the extent 
to which such devices have affected racial or ethnic biases in 
maternal health care.
(3) Best practices for reducing and preventing racial or 
ethnic biases in the use of innovative technology and patient 
monitoring devices in maternity care.
(4) Best practices in the use of innovative technology and 
patient monitoring devices for pregnant and postpartum 
individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups.
(5) Best practices with respect to privacy and security 
safeguards in such use.
(c) Report.--The agreement under subsection (a) shall direct the 
National Academies to complete the study under this section, and 
transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study, not later 
than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act.

TITLE X--IMPACT TO SAVE MOMS

SEC. 1001. PERINATAL CARE ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT MODEL DEMONSTRATION 
PROJECT.

(a) In General.--For the period of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, 
the Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section 
as the ``Secretary''), acting through the Administrator of the Centers 
for Medicare & Medicaid Services, shall establish and implement, in 
accordance with the requirements of this section, a demonstration 
project, to be known as the Perinatal Care Alternative Payment Model 
Demonstration Project (referred to in this section as the 
``Demonstration Project''), for purposes of allowing States to test 
payment models under their State plans under title XIX of the Social 
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) and State child health plans 
under title XXI of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.) with respect to 
maternity care provided to pregnant and postpartum individuals enrolled 
in such State plans and State child health plans.
(b) Coordination.--In establishing the Demonstration Project, the 
Secretary shall coordinate with stakeholders such as--
(1) State Medicaid programs;
(2) maternity care providers and organizations representing 
maternity care providers;
(3) relevant organizations representing patients, with a 
particular focus on patients from demographic groups with 
elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal 
morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other adverse 
perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(4) relevant community-based organizations, particularly 
organizations that seek to improve maternal health outcomes for 
individuals from demographic groups with elevated rates of 
maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(5) perinatal health workers;
(6) relevant health insurance issuers;
(7) hospitals, health systems, midwifery practices, 
freestanding birth centers (as such term is defined in 
paragraph (3)(B) of section 1905(l) of the Social Security Act 
(42 U.S.C. 1396d(l))), Federally-qualified health centers (as 
such term is defined in paragraph (2)(B) of such section), and 
rural health clinics (as such term is defined in section 
1861(aa) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)));
(8) researchers and policy experts in fields related to 
maternity care payment models; and
(9) any other stakeholders as the Secretary determines 
appropriate, with a particular focus on stakeholders from 
demographic groups with elevated rates of maternal mortality, 
severe maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, or 
other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes.
(c) Considerations.--In establishing the Demonstration Project, the 
Secretary shall consider any alternative payment model that--
(1) is designed to improve maternal health outcomes for 
individuals from demographic groups with elevated rates of 
maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(2) includes methods for stratifying patients by pregnancy 
risk level and, as appropriate, adjusting payments under such 
model to take into account pregnancy risk level, including 
consideration of the appropriate transfer of patients by 
pregnancy risk level;
(3) establishes evidence-based quality metrics for such 
payments;
(4) includes consideration of nonhospital birth settings 
such as freestanding birth centers (as so defined);
(5) includes consideration of social determinants of 
maternal health;
(6) includes diverse maternity care teams that include--
(A) maternity care providers, mental and behavioral 
health care providers acting in accordance with State 
law, and registered dietitians or nutrition 
professionals (as such term is defined in section 
1395x(vv)(2) of title 42, United States Code)--
(i) from racially, ethnically, and 
professionally diverse backgrounds;
(ii) with experience practicing in racially 
and ethnically diverse communities; or
(iii) who have undergone training on 
implicit bias and racism; and
(B) perinatal health workers; or
(7) includes consideration of maternal mental health 
conditions and substance use disorders.
(d) Eligibility.--To be eligible to participate in the 
Demonstration Project, a State shall submit an application to the 
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information 
as the Secretary may require.
(e) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the 
Demonstration Project to determine the impact of the Demonstration 
Project on--
(1) maternal health outcomes, with data stratified by race, 
ethnicity, primary language, socioeconomic status, geography, 
insurance type, and other factors as the Secretary determines 
appropriate;
(2) spending on maternity care by States participating in 
the Demonstration Project;
(3) to the extent practicable, qualitative and quantitative 
measures of patient experience; and
(4) any other areas of assessment that the Secretary 
determines relevant.
(f) Report.--Not later than one year after the completion or 
termination date of the Demonstration Project, the Secretary shall 
submit to the Congress, and make publicly available, a report 
containing--
(1) the results of any evaluation conducted under 
subsection (e); and
(2) a recommendation regarding whether the Demonstration 
Project should be continued after fiscal year 2031 and expanded 
on a national basis.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
(h) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Alternative payment model.--The term ``alternative 
payment model'' has the meaning given such term in section 
1833(z)(3)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
1395l(z)(3)(C)).
(2) Perinatal.--The term ``perinatal'' means the period 
beginning on the day an individual becomes pregnant and ending 
on the last day of the 1-year period beginning on the last day 
of such individual's pregnancy.

TITLE XI--MATERNAL HEALTH PANDEMIC RESPONSE

SEC. 1101. DEFINITIONS.

In this title:
(1) Respectful maternity care.--The term ``respectful 
maternity care'' refers to care organized for, and provided to, 
pregnant and postpartum individuals in a manner that--
(A) is culturally and linguistically congruent;
(B) maintains their dignity, privacy, and 
confidentiality;
(C) ensures freedom from harm and mistreatment; and
(D) enables informed choice and continuous support.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of Health and Human Services.

SEC. 1102. FUNDING FOR DATA COLLECTION, SURVEILLANCE, AND RESEARCH ON 
MATERNAL HEALTH OUTCOMES DURING PUBLIC HEALTH 
EMERGENCIES.

To conduct or support data collection, surveillance, and research 
on maternal health as a result of public health emergencies and 
infectious diseases that pose a risk to maternal and infant health, 
including support to assist in the capacity building for State, Tribal, 
territorial, and local public health departments to collect and 
transmit racial, ethnic, and other demographic data related to maternal 
health, there are authorized to be appropriated--
(1) $100,000,000 for the Surveillance for Emerging Threats 
to Mothers and Babies program of the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention, to support the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention in its efforts to--
(A) work with public health, clinical, and 
community-based organizations to provide timely, 
continually updated guidance to families and health 
care providers on ways to reduce risk to pregnant and 
postpartum individuals and their newborns and tailor 
interventions to improve their long-term health;
(B) partner with more State, Tribal, territorial, 
and local public health programs in the collection and 
analysis of clinical data on the impact of public 
health emergencies and infectious diseases that pose a 
risk to maternal and infant health on pregnant and 
postpartum patients and their newborns, particularly 
among patients from racial and ethnic minority groups; 
and
(C) establish regionally based centers of 
excellence to offer medical, public health, and other 
knowledge to ensure communities can help pregnant and 
postpartum individuals and newborns get the care and 
support they need, particularly in areas with large 
populations of individuals from demographic groups with 
elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe maternal 
morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other 
adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(2) $30,000,000 for the Enhancing Reviews and Surveillance 
to Eliminate Maternal Mortality program (commonly known as the 
``ERASE MM program'') of the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, to support the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention in expanding its partnerships with States and Indian 
Tribes and provide technical assistance to existing Maternal 
Mortality Review Committees;
(3) $45,000,000 for the Pregnancy Risk Assessment 
Monitoring System (commonly known as the ``PRAMS'') of the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to support the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in its efforts to--
(A) create a supplement to its PRAMS survey related 
to public health emergencies and infectious diseases 
that pose a risk to maternal and infant health;
(B) add questions around experiences of respectful 
maternity care in prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum 
care; and
(C) work to transition such PRAMS survey to an 
electronic platform and expand such PRAMS survey to a 
larger population, with a special focus on reaching 
underrepresented communities, and other program 
improvements; and
(4) $15,000,000 for the National Institute of Child Health 
and Human Development, to conduct or support research for 
interventions to mitigate the effects of public health 
emergencies and infectious diseases that pose a risk to 
maternal and infant health, with a particular focus on 
individuals from demographic groups with elevated rates of 
maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, maternal health 
disparities, or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes.

SEC. 1103. PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY MATERNAL HEALTH DATA COLLECTION AND 
DISCLOSURE.

(a) Availability of Collected Data.--The Secretary, acting through 
the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the 
Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, shall 
make publicly available on the website of the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention data described in subsection (b).
(b) Data Described.--The data described in this subsection are data 
collected through Federal surveillance systems under the Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention with respect to public health 
emergencies and individuals who are pregnant or in a postpartum period. 
Such data shall include the following:
(1) Diagnostic testing, confirmed cases, hospitalizations, 
deaths, and other health outcomes related to an infectious 
disease outbreak among pregnant and postpartum individuals.
(2) Maternal and infant health outcomes among individuals 
who test positive for an infectious disease during or after 
pregnancy.
(c) American Indian and Alaska Native Health Outcomes.--In carrying 
out subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with Indian Tribes and 
confer with Urban Indian organizations.
(d) Disaggregated Information.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall disaggregate data by race, ethnicity, gender, primary 
language, geography, socioeconomic status, and other relevant factors.
(e) Update.--During public health emergencies, the Secretary shall 
update the data made available under this section--
(1) at least on a monthly basis; and
(2) not less than one month after the end of such public 
health emergency.
(f) Privacy.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
(1) take steps to protect the privacy of individuals 
pursuant to regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the 
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 
U.S.C. 1320d-2 note); and
(2) ensure that--
(A) all data collected is deidentified;
(B) at a minimum, there is no disclosure of any 
individually identifying or potentially identifying 
information regarding a patient or a patient's health 
care provider; and
(C) all data is collected in a manner that is 
consistent with applicable Federal and State privacy 
law.
(g) Guidance.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the 
declaration of a public health emergency under section 319 of 
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d), the Secretary 
shall issue guidance to States and local public health 
departments to ensure that--
(A) laboratories that test specimens for an 
infectious disease receive all relevant demographic 
data on race, ethnicity, pregnancy status, and other 
demographic data as determined by the Secretary; and
(B) data described in subsection (b) are 
disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, primary 
language, geography, socioeconomic status, and other 
relevant factors.
(2) Consultation.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
Secretary shall consult with Indian Tribes--
(A) to ensure that such guidance includes tribally 
developed best practices; and
(B) to reduce misclassification of American Indians 
and Alaska Natives.

SEC. 1104. PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNICATION REGARDING MATERNAL CARE DURING 
PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES.

The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
shall conduct public health education campaigns during public health 
emergencies to ensure that pregnant and postpartum individuals, their 
employers, and their health care providers have accurate, evidence-
based information on maternal and infant health risks during the public 
health emergency, with a particular focus on reaching pregnant and 
postpartum individuals in underserved communities.

SEC. 1105. TASK FORCE ON BIRTHING EXPERIENCE AND SAFE, RESPECTFUL, 
RESPONSIVE, AND EMPOWERING MATERNITY CARE DURING PUBLIC 
HEALTH EMERGENCIES.

(a) Establishment.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the 
Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, 
shall convene a task force (in this subsection referred to as the 
``Task Force'') to develop Federal recommendations regarding 
respectful, responsive, and empowering maternity care, including safe 
birth care and postpartum care, during public health emergencies.
(b) Duties.--The Task Force shall develop, publicly post, and 
update Federal recommendations in multiple languages to ensure high-
quality, nondiscriminatory maternity care, promote positive birthing 
experiences, and improve maternal health outcomes during public health 
emergencies, with a particular focus on outcomes for individuals from 
demographic groups with elevated rates of maternal mortality, severe 
maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, or other adverse 
perinatal or childbirth outcomes. Such recommendations shall--
(1) address, with particular attention to ensuring 
equitable treatment on the basis of race and ethnicity--
(A) measures to facilitate respectful, responsive, 
and empowering maternity care;
(B) measures to facilitate telehealth maternity 
care for pregnant individuals who cannot regularly 
access in-person care;
(C) strategies to increase access to specialized 
care for those with high-risk pregnancies or pregnant 
individuals with elevated risk factors;
(D) diagnostic testing for pregnant and laboring 
patients;
(E) birthing without one's chosen companions, with 
one's chosen companions, and with smartphone or other 
telehealth connection to one's chosen companions;
(F) newborn separation after birth in relation to 
maternal infection status;
(G) breast milk feeding in relation to maternal 
infection status;
(H) licensure, training, scope of practice, and 
Medicaid and other insurance reimbursement for 
certified midwives, certified nurse-midwives, and 
certified professional midwives, who meet, at a 
minimum, the international definition of a midwife and 
global standards for midwifery education, as 
established by the International Confederation of 
Midwives, in a manner that facilitates inclusion of 
midwives of color and midwives from underserved 
communities;
(I) financial support and training for perinatal 
health workers who provide nonclinical support to 
individuals from pregnancy through the postpartum 
period in a manner that facilitates inclusion from 
underserved communities;
(J) strategies to ensure and expand doula coverage 
under State Medicaid programs;
(K) how to identify, address, and treat prenatal 
and postpartum mental and behavioral health conditions, 
such as anxiety, substance use disorder, and 
depression, during public health emergencies;
(L) how to identify and address instances of 
intimate partner violence during pregnancy which may 
arise or intensify during public health emergencies;
(M) strategies to address hospital capacity 
concerns in communities with a surge in infectious 
disease cases and to provide childbearing individuals 
with options that reduce the potential for cross-
contamination and increase the ability to implement 
their care preferences while maintaining safety and 
quality, such as the use of freestanding birth centers;
(N) provision of child care services during 
prenatal and postpartum appointments for mothers whose 
children are unable to attend as a result of 
restrictions relating to the public health emergencies;
(O) how to identify and address racism, bias, and 
discrimination in the delivery of maternity care 
services to pregnant and postpartum individuals, 
including evaluating the value of training for hospital 
staff on implicit bias and racism, respectful, 
responsive, and empowering maternity care, and 
demographic data collection;
(P) how to address the needs of undocumented 
pregnant individuals and new mothers who may be afraid 
or unable to seek needed care during the COVID-19 
public health emergency;
(Q) how to address the needs of uninsured and 
underinsured pregnant individuals who have historically 
relied on emergency departments for care;
(R) how to identify pregnant and postpartum 
individuals at risk for depression, anxiety disorder, 
psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other 
maternal mood disorders before, during, and after 
pregnancy, and how to treat those diagnosed with a 
prenatal or postpartum mood disorder;
(S) how to effectively and compassionately screen 
for substance use disorder during pregnancy and 
postpartum and help pregnant and postpartum individuals 
find support and effective treatment;
(T) how to ensure access to infant nutrition during 
public health emergencies; and
(U) such other matters as the Task Force determines 
appropriate;
(2) identify barriers to the implementation of the 
recommendations;
(3) take into consideration existing State and other 
programs that have demonstrated effectiveness in addressing 
pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care during public health 
emergencies; and
(4) identify policies specific to public health emergencies 
that should be discontinued when safely possible and those that 
should be continued as the public health emergency abates.
(c) Membership.--The Secretary shall appoint the members of the 
Task Force. Such members shall be comprised of--
(1) representatives of the Department of Health and Human 
Services, including representatives of--
(A) the Secretary;
(B) the Director of the Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention;
(C) the Administrator of the Health Resources and 
Services Administration;
(D) the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & 
Medicaid Services;
(E) the Director of the Agency for Healthcare 
Research and Quality;
(F) the Commissioner of Food and Drugs;
(G) the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and 
Substance Use; and
(H) the Director of the Indian Health Service;
(2) at least 3 State, local, or territorial public health 
officials representing departments of public health, who shall 
represent jurisdictions from different regions of the United 
States with relatively high concentrations of historically 
marginalized populations;
(3) at least 1 Tribal public health official representing 
departments of public health;
(4) 1 or more representatives of community-based 
organizations that address adverse maternal health outcomes 
with a specific focus on racial and ethnic inequities in 
maternal health outcomes, with special consideration given to 
representatives of such organizations that are led by a person 
of color or from communities with significant minority 
populations;
(5) a professionally diverse panel of maternity care 
providers and perinatal health workers;
(6) 1 or more patients who were pregnant or gave birth 
during the COVID-19 public health emergency or a subsequent 
public health emergency;
(7) 1 or more patients who have received support from a 
perinatal health worker; and
(8) racially and ethnically diverse representation from at 
least 3 independent experts with knowledge or field experience 
with racial and ethnic disparities in public health, women's 
health, or maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity.

TITLE XII--PROTECTING MOMS AND BABIES AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

SEC. 1201. DEFINITIONS.

In this title, the following definitions apply:
(1) Adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.--The term 
``adverse maternal and infant health outcomes'' includes the 
outcomes of preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, infant 
or maternal mortality, and severe maternal morbidity.
(2) Institution of higher education.--The term 
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such 
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 1001).
(3) Minority-serving institution.--The term ``minority-
serving institution'' means an entity specified in any of 
paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
(4) Risks associated with climate change.--The term ``risks 
associated with climate change'' includes risks associated with 
extreme heat, air pollution, extreme weather events, and other 
environmental issues associated with climate change that can 
result in adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of Health and Human Services.
(6) Stakeholder organization.--The term ``stakeholder 
organization'' means--
(A) a community-based organization with expertise 
in providing assistance to vulnerable individuals;
(B) a nonprofit organization with expertise in--
(i) maternal or infant health; or
(ii) environmental or climate justice; and
(C) a patient advocacy organization representing 
vulnerable individuals.
(7) Vulnerable individual.--The term ``vulnerable 
individual'' means--
(A) an individual who is pregnant;
(B) an individual who was pregnant during any 
portion of the preceding 1-year period; and
(C) an individual under 3 years of age.

SEC. 1202. GRANT PROGRAM TO PROTECT VULNERABLE MOTHERS AND BABIES FROM 
CLIMATE CHANGE RISKS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a grant program to 
protect vulnerable individuals from risks associated with climate 
change.
(b) Grant Authority.--In carrying out the Program, the Secretary 
may award, on a competitive basis, grants to 10 covered entities.
(c) Applications.--To be eligible for a grant under the Program, a 
covered entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such 
time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary 
may require, which shall include, at a minimum, a description of the 
following:
(1) Plans for the use of grant funds awarded under the 
Program and how patients and stakeholder organizations were 
involved in the development of such plans.
(2) How such grant funds will be targeted to geographic 
areas that have disproportionately high levels of risks 
associated with climate change for vulnerable individuals.
(3) How such grant funds will be used to address racial and 
ethnic disparities in--
(A) adverse maternal and infant health outcomes; 
and
(B) exposure to risks associated with climate 
change for vulnerable individuals.
(4) Strategies to prevent an initiative assisted with such 
grant funds from causing--
(A) adverse environmental impacts;
(B) displacement of residents and businesses;
(C) rent and housing price increases; or
(D) disproportionate adverse impacts on racial and 
ethnic minority groups and other underserved 
populations.
(d) Selection of Grant Recipients.--
(1) Timing.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall select the 
recipients of grants under the Program.
(2) Consultation.--In selecting covered entities for grants 
under the Program, the Secretary shall consult with--
(A) representatives of stakeholder organizations;
(B) the Administrator of the Environmental 
Protection Agency;
(C) the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration; and
(D) from the Department of Health and Human 
Services--
(i) the Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Minority Health;
(ii) the Administrator of the Centers for 
Medicare & Medicaid Services;
(iii) the Administrator of the Health 
Resources and Services Administration;
(iv) the Director of the National 
Institutes of Health; and
(v) the Director of the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention.
(3) Priority.--In selecting grantees under the Program, the 
Secretary shall give priority to covered entities that serve a 
county or locality--
(A) designated, or located in an area designated, 
as a nonattainment area pursuant to section 107 of the 
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7407) for any air pollutant 
for which air quality criteria have been issued under 
section 108(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 7408(a));
(B) with a level of vulnerability of moderate-to-
high or higher, according to the Social Vulnerability 
Index of the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, or a similar rating of social vulnerability 
according to related Federal mapping tools;
(C) with temperatures that pose a risk to human 
health, as determined by the Secretary, in consultation 
with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration and the Chair of the United 
States Global Change Research Program, based on the 
best available science;
(D) with elevated rates of maternal mortality, 
severe maternal morbidity, maternal health disparities, 
or other adverse perinatal or childbirth outcomes;
(E) with a rating of very high or relatively high 
risk according to the National Risk Index for Natural 
Hazards of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; or
(F) with other climate-sensitive hazards with 
associations to adverse maternal or infant health 
outcomes, as determined by the Secretary.
(4) Limitation.--A recipient of grant funds under the 
Program may not use such grant funds to serve a county or 
locality that is served by any other recipient of a grant under 
the Program.
(e) Use of Funds.--A covered entity awarded grant funds under the 
Program may only use such grant funds for the following:
(1) Initiatives to identify risks associated with climate 
change for vulnerable individuals and to provide services and 
support to such individuals that address such risks, which may 
include--
(A) training for health care providers, perinatal 
health workers, and other employees in hospitals, birth 
centers, midwifery practices, and other health care 
practices that provide prenatal or labor and delivery 
services to vulnerable individuals on the 
identification of, and patient counseling relating to, 
risks associated with climate change for vulnerable 
individuals;
(B) hiring, training, or providing resources to 
perinatal health workers who can help identify risks 
associated with climate change for vulnerable 
individuals, provide patient counseling about such 
risks, and carry out the distribution of relevant 
services and support;
(C) enhancing the monitoring of risks associated 
with climate change for vulnerable individuals, 
including by--
(i) collecting data on such risks in 
specific census tracts, neighborhoods, or other 
geographic areas; and
(ii) sharing such data with local health 
care providers, perinatal health workers, and 
other employees in hospitals, birth centers, 
midwifery practices, and other health care 
practices that provide prenatal or labor and 
delivery services to local vulnerable 
individuals; and
(D) providing vulnerable individuals--
(i) air conditioning units, residential 
weatherization support, filtration systems, 
household appliances, or related items;
(ii) direct financial assistance; and
(iii) services and support, including 
housing assistance, evacuation assistance, 
transportation assistance, access to cooling 
shelters, and mental health counseling, to 
prepare for or recover from extreme weather 
events, which may include floods, hurricanes, 
wildfires, droughts, and related events.
(2) Initiatives to mitigate levels of and exposure to risks 
associated with climate change for vulnerable individuals, 
which shall be based on the best available science and which 
may include initiatives to--
(A) develop, maintain, or expand urban or community 
forestry initiatives and tree canopy coverage 
initiatives;
(B) improve infrastructure, such as buildings and 
paved surfaces;
(C) develop or improve community outreach networks 
to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate 
information and notifications about risks associated 
with climate change for vulnerable individuals; and
(D) provide enhanced services to racial and ethnic 
minority groups and other underserved populations.
(f) Length of Award.--A grant under this section shall be disbursed 
over 4 fiscal years.
(g) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide technical 
assistance to a covered entity awarded a grant under the Program to 
support the development, implementation, and evaluation of activities 
funded with such grant.
(h) Reports to Secretary.--
(1) Annual report.--For each fiscal year during which a 
covered entity is disbursed grant funds under the Program, such 
covered entity shall submit to the Secretary a report that 
summarizes the activities carried out by such covered entity 
with such grant funds during such fiscal year, which shall 
include a description of the following:
(A) The involvement of stakeholder organizations in 
the implementation of initiatives assisted with such 
grant funds.
(B) Relevant health and environmental data, 
disaggregated, to the extent practicable, by race, 
ethnicity, primary language, socioeconomic status, 
geography, insurance type, pregnancy status, and other 
relevant demographic information.
(C) Qualitative feedback received from vulnerable 
individuals with respect to initiatives assisted with 
such grant funds.
(D) Criteria used in selecting the geographic areas 
assisted with such grant funds.
(E) Efforts to address racial and ethnic 
disparities in adverse maternal and infant health 
outcomes and in exposure to risks associated with 
climate change for vulnerable individuals.
(F) Any negative and unintended impacts of 
initiatives assisted with such grant funds, including--
(i) adverse environmental impacts;
(ii) displacement of residents and 
businesses;
(iii) rent and housing price increases; and
(iv) disproportionate adverse impacts on 
racial and ethnic minority groups and other 
underserved populations.
(G) How the covered entity will address and prevent 
any impacts described in subparagraph (F).
(2) Publication.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
which a report is submitted under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
shall publish such report on a public website of the Department 
of Health and Human Services.
(i) Report to Congress.--Not later than the date that is 5 years 
after the date on which the Program is established, the Secretary shall 
submit to Congress and publish on a public website of the Department of 
Health and Human Services a report on the results of the Program, 
including the following:
(1) Summaries of the annual reports submitted under 
subsection (h).
(2) Evaluations of the initiatives assisted with grant 
funds under the Program.
(3) An assessment of the effectiveness of the Program in--
(A) identifying risks associated with climate 
change for vulnerable individuals;
(B) providing services and support to such 
individuals;
(C) mitigating levels of and exposure to such 
risks; and
(D) addressing racial and ethnic disparities in 
adverse maternal and infant health outcomes and in 
exposure to such risks.
(4) A description of how the Program could be expanded, 
including--
(A) monitoring efforts or data collection that 
would be required to identify areas with high levels of 
risks associated with climate change for vulnerable 
individuals;
(B) how such areas could be identified using the 
strategy developed under section 1205; and
(C) recommendations for additional funding.
(j) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``covered entity'' means a consortium of 
organizations serving a county that--
(A) shall include a community-based organization; 
and
(B) may include--
(i) another stakeholder organization;
(ii) the government of such county;
(iii) the governments of one or more 
municipalities within such county;
(iv) a State or local public health 
department or emergency management agency;
(v) a local health care practice, which may 
include a licensed and accredited hospital, 
birth center, midwifery practice, or other 
health care practice that provides prenatal or 
labor and delivery services to vulnerable 
individuals;
(vi) an Indian tribe or Tribal organization 
(as such terms are defined in section 4 of the 
Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
(vii) an Urban Indian organization (as 
defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care 
Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603)); and
(viii) an institution of higher education.
(2) The term ``Program'' means the grant program under this 
section.
(k) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for the period of 
fiscal years 2027 through 2030.

SEC. 1203. GRANT PROGRAM FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING AT HEALTH 
PROFESSION SCHOOLS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall 
establish a grant program to provide funds to health profession schools 
to support the development and integration of education and training 
programs for identifying and addressing risks associated with climate 
change for vulnerable individuals.
(b) Grant Authority.--In carrying out the Program, the Secretary 
may award, on a competitive basis, grants to health profession schools.
(c) Application.--To be eligible for a grant under the Program, a 
health profession school shall submit to the Secretary an application 
at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the 
Secretary may require, which shall include, at a minimum, a description 
of the following:
(1) How such health profession school will engage with 
vulnerable individuals, and stakeholder organizations 
representing such individuals, in developing and implementing 
the education and training programs supported by grant funds 
awarded under the Program.
(2) How such health profession school will ensure that such 
education and training programs will address racial and ethnic 
disparities in exposure to, and the effects of, risks 
associated with climate change for vulnerable individuals.
(d) Use of Funds.--A health profession school awarded a grant under 
the Program shall use the grant funds to develop, and integrate into 
the curriculum and continuing education of such health profession 
school, education and training on each of the following:
(1) Identifying risks associated with climate change for 
vulnerable individuals and individuals with the intent to 
become pregnant.
(2) How risks associated with climate change affect 
vulnerable individuals and individuals with the intent to 
become pregnant.
(3) Racial and ethnic disparities in exposure to, and the 
effects of, risks associated with climate change for vulnerable 
individuals and individuals with the intent to become pregnant.
(4) Patient counseling and mitigation strategies relating 
to risks associated with climate change for vulnerable 
individuals.
(5) Relevant services and support for vulnerable 
individuals relating to risks associated with climate change 
and strategies for ensuring vulnerable individuals have access 
to such services and support.
(6) Implicit and explicit bias, racism, and discrimination.
(7) Related topics identified by such health profession 
school based on the engagement of such health profession school 
with vulnerable individuals and stakeholder organizations 
representing such individuals.
(e) Partnerships.--In carrying out activities with grant funds, a 
health profession school awarded a grant under the Program may partner 
with one or more of the following:
(1) A State or local public health department.
(2) A health care professional membership organization.
(3) A stakeholder organization.
(4) A health profession school.
(5) An institution of higher education.
(f) Reports to Secretary.--
(1) Annual report.--For each fiscal year during which a 
health profession school is disbursed grant funds under the 
Program, such health profession school shall submit to the 
Secretary a report that describes the activities carried out 
with such grant funds during such fiscal year.
(2) Final report.--Not later than the date that is 1 year 
after the end of the last fiscal year during which a health 
profession school is disbursed grant funds under the Program, 
the health profession school shall submit to the Secretary a 
final report that summarizes the activities carried out with 
such grant funds.
(g) Report to Congress.--Not later than the date that is 6 years 
after the date on which the Program is established, the Secretary shall 
submit to Congress and publish on a public website of the Department of 
Health and Human Services a report that includes the following:
(1) A summary of the reports submitted under subsection 
(f).
(2) Recommendations to improve education and training 
programs at health profession schools with respect to 
identifying and addressing risks associated with climate change 
for vulnerable individuals.
(h) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``health profession school'' means an 
accredited--
(A) medical school;
(B) school of nursing;
(C) midwifery program;
(D) physician assistant education program;
(E) teaching hospital;
(F) residency or fellowship program; or
(G) other school or program determined appropriate 
by the Secretary.
(2) The term ``Program'' means the grant program under this 
section.
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for the period of 
fiscal years 2027 through 2030.

SEC. 1204. NIH CONSORTIUM ON BIRTH AND CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH.

(a) Establishment.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institutes of 
Health shall establish the Consortium on Birth and Climate Change 
Research (in this section referred to as the ``Consortium'').
(b) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Consortium shall coordinate, across 
the institutes, centers, and offices of the National Institutes 
of Health, research on the risks associated with climate change 
for vulnerable individuals.
(2) Required activities.--In carrying out paragraph (1), 
the Consortium shall--
(A) establish research priorities, including by 
prioritizing research that--
(i) identifies the risks associated with 
climate change for vulnerable individuals with 
a particular focus on disparities in such risks 
among racial and ethnic minority groups and 
other underserved populations; and
(ii) identifies strategies to reduce levels 
of, and exposure to, such risks, with a 
particular focus on risks among racial and 
ethnic minority groups and other underserved 
populations;
(B) identify gaps in available data related to such 
risks;
(C) identify gaps in, and opportunities for, 
research collaborations;
(D) identify funding opportunities for community-
based organizations and researchers from racially, 
ethnically, and geographically diverse backgrounds;
(E) identify opportunities to increase public 
awareness related to risks associated with climate 
change for vulnerable individuals; and
(F) publish annual reports on the work and findings 
of the Consortium on a public website of the National 
Institutes of Health.
(c) Membership.--The Director shall appoint to the Consortium 
representatives of such institutes, centers, and offices of the 
National Institutes of Health as the Director considers appropriate, 
including, at a minimum, representatives of--
(1) the National Institute of Environmental Health 
Sciences;
(2) the National Institute on Minority Health and Health 
Disparities;
(3) the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child 
Health and Human Development;
(4) the National Institute of Mental Health;
(5) the National Institute of Nursing Research; and
(6) the Office of Research on Women's Health.
(d) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Consortium shall be 
designated by the Director and selected from among the representatives 
appointed under subsection (c).
(e) Consultation.--In carrying out the duties described in 
subsection (b), the Consortium shall consult with--
(1) the heads of relevant Federal agencies, including--
(A) the Environmental Protection Agency;
(B) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration;
(C) the Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration; and
(D) from the Department of Health and Human 
Services--
(i) the Office of Minority Health in the 
Office of the Secretary;
(ii) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid 
Services;
(iii) the Health Resources and Services 
Administration;
(iv) the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention;
(v) the Indian Health Service; and
(vi) the Administration for Children and 
Families; and
(2) representatives of--
(A) stakeholder organizations;
(B) health care providers and professional 
membership organizations with expertise in maternal 
health or environmental justice;
(C) State and local public health departments;
(D) licensed and accredited hospitals, birth 
centers, midwifery practices, or other health care 
practices that provide prenatal or labor and delivery 
services to vulnerable individuals; and
(E) institutions of higher education, including 
such institutions that are minority-serving 
institutions or have expertise in maternal health or 
environmental justice.

SEC. 1205. STRATEGY FOR IDENTIFYING CLIMATE CHANGE RISK ZONES FOR 
VULNERABLE MOTHERS AND BABIES.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting 
through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 
shall develop a strategy (in this section referred to as the 
``Strategy'') for designating areas that the Secretary determines to 
have a high risk of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes among 
vulnerable individuals as a result of risks associated with climate 
change.
(b) Strategy Requirements.--
(1) In general.--In developing the Strategy, the Secretary 
shall establish a process to identify areas where vulnerable 
individuals are exposed to a high risk of adverse maternal and 
infant health outcomes as a result of risks associated with 
climate change in conjunction with other factors that can 
impact such health outcomes, including--
(A) the incidence of diseases associated with air 
pollution, extreme heat, and other environmental 
factors;
(B) the availability and accessibility of maternal 
and infant health care providers;
(C) English-language proficiency among women of 
reproductive age;
(D) the health insurance status of women of 
reproductive age;
(E) the number of women of reproductive age who are 
members of racial or ethnic groups with 
disproportionately high rates of adverse maternal and 
infant health outcomes;
(F) the socioeconomic status of women of 
reproductive age, including with respect to--
(i) poverty;
(ii) unemployment;
(iii) household income; and
(iv) educational attainment; and
(G) access to quality housing, transportation, and 
nutrition.
(2) Resources.--In developing the Strategy, the Secretary 
shall identify, and incorporate a description of, the 
following:
(A) Existing mapping tools or Federal programs that 
identify--
(i) risks associated with climate change 
for vulnerable individuals; and
(ii) other factors that can influence 
maternal and infant health outcomes, including 
the factors described in paragraph (1).
(B) Environmental, health, socioeconomic, and 
demographic data relevant to identifying risks 
associated with climate change for vulnerable 
individuals.
(C) Existing monitoring networks that collect data 
described in subparagraph (B), and any gaps in such 
networks.
(D) Federal, State, and local stakeholders involved 
in maintaining monitoring networks identified under 
subparagraph (C), and how such stakeholders are 
coordinating their monitoring efforts.
(E) Additional monitoring networks, and 
enhancements to existing monitoring networks, that 
would be required to address gaps identified under 
subparagraph (C), including at the subcounty and census 
tract level.
(F) Funding amounts required to establish the 
monitoring networks identified under subparagraph (E) 
and recommendations for Federal, State, and local 
coordination with respect to such networks.
(G) Potential uses for data collected and generated 
as a result of the Strategy, including how such data 
may be used in determining recipients of grants under 
the program established by section 1202 or other 
similar programs.
(H) Other information the Secretary considers 
relevant for the development of the Strategy.
(c) Coordination and Consultation.--In developing the Strategy, the 
Secretary shall--
(1) coordinate with the Administrator of the Environmental 
Protection Agency and the Administrator of the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration; and
(2) consult with--
(A) stakeholder organizations;
(B) health care providers and professional 
membership organizations with expertise in maternal 
health or environmental justice;
(C) State and local public health departments;
(D) licensed and accredited hospitals, birth 
centers, midwifery practices, or other health care 
providers that provide prenatal or labor and delivery 
services to vulnerable individuals; and
(E) institutions of higher education, including 
such institutions that are minority-serving 
institutions or have expertise in maternal health or 
environmental justice.
(d) Notice and Comment.--At least 240 days before the date on which 
the Strategy is published in accordance with subsection (e), the 
Secretary shall provide--
(1) notice of the Strategy on a public website of the 
Department of Health and Human Services; and
(2) an opportunity for public comment of at least 90 days.
(e) Publication.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish on a public website 
of the Department of Health and Human Services--
(1) the Strategy;
(2) the public comments received under subsection (d); and
(3) the responses of the Secretary to such public comments.

TITLE XIII--NIH IMPROVE

SEC. 1301. IMPROVE INITIATIVE.

Part B of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284 
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 409K. IMPROVE INITIATIVE.

``(a) In General.--The Director of NIH shall continue to carry out 
a program to improve maternal health outcomes, to be known as the 
Implementing a Maternal health and PRegnancy Outcomes Vision for 
Everyone Initiative or the `IMPROVE Initiative' (referred to in this 
section as the `Initiative').
``(b) Objectives.--The Initiative shall--
``(1) advance research to--
``(A) reduce preventable causes of maternal 
mortality and severe maternal morbidity;
``(B) reduce health disparities related to maternal 
health outcomes, including such disparities associated 
with populations with disproportionately high rates of 
maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity 
relative to the national rate; and
``(C) improve health for pregnant and postpartum 
women before, during, and after pregnancy;
``(2) use an integrated approach to understand the factors, 
including biological, behavioral, and other factors, that 
affect maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity by 
building an evidence base for improved outcomes in specific 
regions of the United States; and
``(3) target health disparities associated with maternal 
mortality and severe maternal morbidity by--
``(A) implementing and evaluating community-based 
interventions for disproportionately affected women; 
and
``(B) identifying risk factors and the underlying 
biological mechanisms associated with leading causes of 
maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in the 
United States.
``(c) Implementation.--The Director of NIH may award grants or 
enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, or other transactions to 
carry out this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $73,400,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2032.''.

TITLE XIV--MATERNAL VACCINATIONS

SEC. 1401. MATERNAL VACCINATION AWARENESS AND EQUITY CAMPAIGN.

(a) Campaign.--Section 313 of the Public Health Service Act (42 
U.S.C. 245) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and among pregnant 
and postpartum individuals,'' after ``low rates of 
vaccination,'';
(2) in subsection (c)(3), by striking ``prenatal and 
pediatric'' and inserting ``prenatal, obstetric, and 
pediatric'';
(3) in subsection (d)(4)(B), by inserting ``pregnant and 
postpartum individuals and'' after ``including''; and
(4) in subsection (g), by striking ``$15,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2021 through 2025'' and inserting ``$17,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031''.
(b) Additional Activities.--Section 317(k)(1)(E) of the Public 
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b(k)(1)(E)) is amended--
(1) in clause (v), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(vii) increase vaccination rates of 
pregnant and postpartum individuals, including 
individuals from racial and ethnic minority 
groups, and their children; and''.
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