Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act

HR 3304, the Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act, allocates $190 million to improve maternal and infant health outcomes during public health emergencies. It funds CDC programs to collect and analyze racial, ethnic, and demographic data on pregnant and postpartum individuals affected by infectious diseases, requiring public reporting of disaggregated data (by race, ethnicity, and geography) to address health disparities. The bill also establishes a federal task force to develop recommendations for respectful, equitable maternity care during emergencies, including telehealth access, mental health support, and culturally appropriate services. These provisions directly affect pregnant and postpartum people, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority groups facing higher maternal mortality risks.