ACOG Works to Advance Policy Supporting Servicewomen and Veterans

This week, ACOG championed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), offered by Reps. Gwen Moore (WI) and Steve Stivers (OH), which was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday, July 20. The amendment expresses Congress’ support for the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a maternal mortality review committee (MMRC) to analyze maternal deaths among servicewomen and dependents. It also states Congress’ interest in receiving regular updates from DOD related to this work, including efforts to participate in quality improvement programs, and asks DOD to identify barriers to establishing an MMRC.

ACOG worked closely with Reps. Moore and Stivers to develop and advance this amendment through the House of Representatives. We will continue to urge policymakers to include this important policy when both chambers come together to negotiate the final NDAA.

ACOG also led 26 organizations in a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in support of H.R. 6141, the Protecting Moms Who Served Act. H.R. 6141 would help inform us of the scope of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity among veterans, with a focus on minoritized populations, as well as make critical investments in maternity care coordination through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill was approved by the Committee in a hearing held on Thursday, July 23. ACOG will continue to support enactment of H.R. 6141.