October 6, 2023 - WASHINGTON – The Senate unanimously has passed a bill to ensure certain stillbirth prevention initiatives can qualify for federal funding. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act alongside Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), as well as Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) and Alma Adams (D-N.C.).

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) 

“No family should have to endure the heartbreak of a stillbirth,” Grassley said. “Effective problem solving starts with having a thorough understanding of root causes, contributors and vulnerabilities. Our bill would get rid of limits on federal resources, so that the medical community can further pursue evidence-based efforts to support expectant moms and save babies’ lives.” 

“Babies will be saved with this critical legislation, and we are extremely grateful to the entire Senate for its unanimous consent. Senator Grassley and his staff were true friends and supporters throughout the process, helping champion this legislation as one solution to help end the stillbirth crisis. As an Iowan he has seen the power of what happens when stillbirth prevention measures are in place. The success of this collective work will be measured in lives saved,” said Healthy Birth Day, Inc. CEO Emily Price.

Senate approval of the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act is a significant stride. Should the bill pass the House of Representatives and become law, it would amend Title V, the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant of the Social Security Act, to clarify congressionally allocated resources may be deployed for stillbirth prevention research. 

This legislation is among several measures Grassley is leading to improve maternal health and prenatal care, which disproportionately affects women of color and those living in rural areas. Grassley’s Healthy Moms and Babies Act would expand “whole person” care and bolster the maternal health and telehealth workforces. Last month, he and Hinson teamed up to raise awareness of stillbirth occurrences nationwide. 

Roughly 21,000 babies in the United States are stillborn each year. While recent data suggest nearly 25 percent of these incidences may be avoidable, stillbirth rates in the United States declined by a negligible 0.4 percent within the last two decades.
Source: Senator Chuck Grassley