South Iowa News

Representative Zach Nunn of Iowa has introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at improving access to maternal healthcare for women on Medicaid. The legislation, known as the Harnessing Effective and Appropriate Long-Term Health for Moms on Medicaid (HEALTH for MOM) Act, seeks to support state efforts in coordinating maternity care through maternal health homes.

“At-risk mothers in Iowa are being failed by a system that makes it too difficult to access basic care,” said Rep. Nunn. “This bill gives states the tools to build strong, community-based support systems for expecting mothers—especially in rural areas—so every woman has access to the care she needs for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.”

The initiative also received support from Representative Ayanna Pressley, who highlighted its importance in addressing disparities affecting Black and low-income families. “My grandmother died giving birth in the 1950s, and it is shameful that over half a century later, we still have a maternal morbidity crisis that is killing our loved ones and destabilizing our communities,” said Rep. Pressley. “Our bill would help address the maternal health crisis—which is disproportionately impacting Black and low-income folks—by helping vulnerable families access high-quality, culturally congruent maternal care. I’m grateful to our colleagues for their partnership. It’s time for Congress to pass this bill without delay.”

Proctor Lureman, President and CEO of Broadlawns Medical Center, expressed support for the legislation: “Broadlawns sees firsthand the critical need for accessible, coordinated maternal care. Supporting initiatives that expand access and improve outcomes aligns directly with our mission to provide high-quality care for every patient—before, during, and after pregnancy.”

The United States continues to face challenges with one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 80% of maternal deaths are preventable; however, many women live in areas lacking essential maternity services. In Iowa alone, 33 out of 99 counties were designated as maternity care deserts in 2022.

The HEALTH for MOM Act proposes grants to states for establishing maternal health homes designed to deliver coordinated maternity care through personalized plans aimed at reducing emergency room visits and costly hospital stays related to pregnancy complications.