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Lawmakers have been working to address maternal mortality for several years, and one Republican legislator wants to ensure it stays at the forefront of discussions. State Rep. Lauren Daniel, R-Locust Grove, recently introduced a package of legislation, House Bills 1036, 1037 and 1038, aimed at addressing maternal and infant health in Georgia.
“Over the last decade, there have been numerous efforts made in the legislature to address maternal mortality in Georgia,” said Rep. Daniel. “However, nationwide, we have seen a rise in maternal health issues such as heart disease, cardiomyopathy, pre-eclampsia, embolism, gestational diabetes and maternal mental health conditions; many of these also lead to consequential health issues in infants.”
According to Daniel, one of the bills would create the Georgia Commission on Maternal and Infant Health. Under House Bill 1037, the commission would be assigned by the Georgia Department of Public Health and consist of 14 members, with six being appointed by the Governor, three appointed by the Lt. Governor and three appointed by the Speaker of the House. The governor’s appointees would include an obstetrician, either a pediatrician or neonatologist, a midwife and a representative of a perinatal facility.
The commission would be charged with soliciting the views of perinatal facilities, healthcare providers and related professional associations on the state of perinatal care in Georgia and give due consideration to the current recommendations of medical and scientific organizations in the field of perinatal care. Members would be tasked with making policy recommendations, establishing a way to measure the quality and effectiveness of perinatal care in Georgia and submit state-wide policy recommendations on its findings no later than June 30, 2026.
“While I believe the work…
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