Making Obstetrics and Maternity Safer
Pregnancy and childbirth is a joyous and safe experience for the majority of mothers in the United States, and ob-gyns play the leading role in delivering this care. Yet the US lags behind other industrialized nations in healthy births, and we know very little about why. Congress and the federal government have important roles to play by helping fund major research initiatives to help us understand the links and effective strategies to help ensure safe births and healthy babies.
ACOG's MOMS Initiative is a multi-pronged approach that will help the US develop and implement evidence-based interventions to improve maternal health. Please see our MOMS Campaign information below.
FREE MOMS Initiative Info Kit - Order Form
Did You Know?
Data Comparisons
Controversies in Maternal Health
Obesity
Health Disparities
Medical Liability
Fact Sheets:
Maternity Care By the Numbers
Quality Improvement in Maternity Care
Prematurity
Health Disparities
Obesity and Maternal Health
Maternal Health Building Blocks
IOM Report
HR 894 - Maternal Health Accountability Act
The Maternal Health Accountability Act would provide grants to States to start up or enhance existing Maternal Mortality Review (MMR) Committees. MMRs examine pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated deaths to identify ways to prevent future deaths. Only about half of all states have active committees today, leaving a large gap in our knowledge base. The bill puts improved data to work through demonstration projects to eliminate disparities in maternal health outcomes.
Why We Need This Bill/What Does The Bill Do?
Section-By-Section Bill Summary
Read the Full Bill
ACOG Immediate Past President Richard Waldman, MD, FACOG Speaks Out In Support of HR 894 at Congressional Briefing
View Powerpoint of Dr. Waldman's Presentation
Is Your Representative a Co-Sponsor?
Contact Your Representative and Urge Him/Her to Co-Sponsor HR 894
Additional Information:
Dr. Waldman's Letter to Congress
Testimony of Dr. Hal C. Lawrence before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health
ACOG's MOMS Initiative
Practice Bulletin on VBAC
Maternity Care: By the Numbers Citation