Members of ACC's Reproductive Health & Cardio-Obstetrics Member Section met virtually with representatives from 11 congressional offices on May 7 to push for stronger federal action on maternal health. Specifically, they urged lawmakers to cosponsor and publicly support three key bills aimed at improving outcomes for mothers nationwide: the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1909), the Connected MOM Act (S. 141) and the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act (H.R. 1254/S. 380).

"Implementing better systems of care, supported by legislation, can help reduce care inequities during and after pregnancy," said Malamo Countouris, MD, FACC, co-chair of the Section's advocacy workgroup. "I hope that lawmakers see that they can make a difference."

The Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act would reauthorize and strengthen funding for Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs), which collect data on maternal deaths and outcomes and recommend solutions to improve quality of care.

"MMRCs are an essential part of understanding why women are dying related to pregnancy and inform best next steps to addressing and reducing the chance of maternal deaths," said Countouris. "A cardiologist is a key member of the MMRC and these members and reporting should be standardized."

While discussing the Connected MOM Act – which would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to issue coverage recommendations on devices that remotely monitor vitals such as blood pressure and glucose levels – Section members emphasized that expanding access to these tools can help detect and address complications early, thereby reducing emergency visits and maternal deaths.

With more than half of U.S. counties lacking hospital-based obstetric care, improving access to care in rural areas was another important part of the maternal health discussion. The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act would equip rural facilities with the training, tools and technology needed to respond to obstetric emergencies, including those that are cardiac-related.

By advocating for these bills, the Section is supporting ACC Advocacy in its efforts to improve the obstetric care and maternal health of patients throughout the U.S. ACC members looking to help support these efforts can stay informed about bills and initiatives at both the federal and state level with ACC Advocacy and their respective ACC State Chapters.

For more on leading through advocacy, watch the first presidential discussion of the REMARKable Conversations series, hosted by ACC President Christopher M. Kramer, MD, FACC. The ACC also offers more opportunities to learn and get involved in the field of cardio-obstetrics, through both the dedicated Section as well as through live courses like Cardio-Obstetrics Essentials: Team-Based Management of Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy, set to take place this fall.