Bill > HR8008

This bill, known as the "Social Determinants for Moms Act," aims to eliminate preventable maternal deaths, severe maternal health complications (defined as significant health issues arising from pregnancy or childbirth), and disparities in maternal health by establishing a task force and providing funding for related initiatives. The task force, led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and including representatives from various federal agencies such as Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and Agriculture, as well as appointed members like patient representatives and community leaders, will develop strategies to address both clinical and non-clinical factors affecting maternal health, including issues like housing, nutrition, environmental conditions, and access to childcare. Additionally, the bill authorizes $100 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for grants to community-based organizations, tribes, and public health departments to directly address these "social determinants of maternal health," which are defined as non-clinical factors impacting maternal health outcomes, with a focus on areas experiencing high rates of maternal mortality and poverty. The bill also clarifies definitions for key terms like "maternal mortality" and "severe maternal morbidity," extending the postpartum period to one year after pregnancy for the purposes of this act.