Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. — “In order to implement a national strategy and prevent poor maternal outcomes, we must first have access to clear, accurate data on which areas and demographics are most severely impacted," said House Ways & Means Committee Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Democrat Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) earlier today, releasing a report titled, “Maternal Mortality & Morbidity: Additional Efforts Needed to Assess Program Data for Rural & Underserved Areas” from the non-partisan U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The lawmakers requested this report almost two years ago after concerns were raised over the utter lack of available, nationwide data on maternal mortality.
“Two years ago, we sent letters to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting information to better understand this issue and the federal government’s efforts to address it.
“The U.S. currently has the worst rate of maternal deaths in the developed world. This is unacceptable and America’s mothers deserve better,” said Brady and Neal.
"This report confirms our long held worry that rural mothers in America have disproportionately higher death rates than those living in metropolitan areas.
"The report further highlights the disproportionately higher mortality rates that mothers in underserved areas – areas with lower numbers of certain health care providers per capita – face.
"The report further highlights the disproportionately higher mortality rates that mothers in underserved areas – areas with lower numbers of certain health care providers per capita – face.
“We strongly encourage the relevant agencies to adopt GAO’s recommendations, and in Congress, we will continue working to address the lack of consistent, nationwide data on maternal mortality, so that we can improve maternal health equity and outcomes in our nation and put an end to this terrible crisis.”
Read the GAO’s “Maternal Mortality & Morbidity: Additional Efforts Needed to Assess Program Data for Rural & Underserved Areas” HERE.
