119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 8807
The Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to run public health education campaigns during declared public health emergencies to provide pregnant and postpartum individuals, employers, and healthcare providers with accurate, evidence-based information about maternal and infant health risks, with special emphasis on reaching underserved communities. The bill defines maternal mortality to include deaths during pregnancy and within one year after pregnancy from any cause, including suicide, overdose, and mental health or substance use disorders related to pregnancy. It also establishes definitions for perinatal health workers such as doulas and community health workers, and specifies that respectful maternity care means culturally appropriate treatment that maintains patient dignity and enables informed decision-making. The postpartum period covered under the bill extends for one year after pregnancy ends, and the public health emergency provisions apply only to emergencies officially declared under federal law.