Sen. Britt pushes for funding to research reducing maternal deaths, disparities with bipartisan bill [Video]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – One Alabama lawmaker has introduced legislation that, if passed, would help fund research to improve outcomes for expecting mothers.

Senator Katie Britt said she is co-sponsoring the bill as part of her efforts to make health care a top legislative priority.

The NIH IMPROVE Act, if passed, would ensure proper funding to pursue research into the root causes of America’s maternal mortality crisis.

The bill introduced by Sen. Britt and California Senator Laphonza Butler seeks to authorize $53.4 million annually for seven years to support research on potential causes of maternal mortality and severe morbidity.

According to Sen. Britt’s office, nearly a third of Alabama’s counties are classified as “maternity care deserts,” and just last year, three labor and delivery providers closed their doors in the state. Alabama also currently holds the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation.

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