Lawmakers are trying address a deficiency of data when it comes to understanding an alarming spike in U.S. maternal mortality by enabling states to participate in nationwide information sharing.
The U.S. maternal mortality rate has more than doubled between 1987 and 2014, according to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention. More American women die from pregnancy-related complications than in most other developed countries.
Legislation passed by the Senate health committee and a discussion draft version in the House would provide federal funding for states to create maternal mortality review committees (MMRCs) to better understand maternal complications and identify solutions. Currently, MMRCs do not exist in 15 states.
