Skip to main content

Bilirakis Introduces the Data Mapping to Save Moms’ Lives Act

February 24, 2021

Bilirakis Introduces the Data Mapping to Save Moms' Lives Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Gus Bilirakis, along with Representatives G.K. Butterfield and Lisa Blunt-Rochester, introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Data Mapping to Save Moms' Lives Act. The bill will use data mapping to identify areas of the country where poor maternal health rates overlap with a lack of broadband access in order to deploy telehealth services most effectively. The United States is one of the only countries in the developed world with a rising maternal mortality rate. Around 700 women die each year in pregnancy related deaths—though 3 in 5 of those deaths are preventable. The problem is especially prevalent in rural communities and amongst women of color who continue to experience disproportionately high rates of maternal and infant mortality.

"We need to use every tool at our disposal to improve health outcomes for moms and babies. Including this information into our broadband mapping will help us achieve this goal and ensure these moms get the prenatal care they deserve," said Representative Bilirakis.

"I was proud to introduce the Data Mapping to Save Moms' Lives Act to identify those areas of the country that need maternal health services and broadband services most urgently," said Congressman G. K. Butterfield. "Doing so will aid us in allocating broadband resources in a way that most effectively benefits our nation's mothers. Across the country, advances in telehealth are showing promising results in patient outcomes and the expansion of these efforts will be an important first step in addressing the maternal health crisis. We can and must do better."

"It is unacceptable that we have allowed maternal mortality to become a national crisis," said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. "While there is no one solution to this crisis, ensuring access to high-quality medical services improves outcomes and saves lives. For many in rural communities, telehealth technologies enable pregnant women to access medical services. But, to effectively deploy 21st Century resources, the nation must first identify which communities lack adequate internet access and have high mortality rates. I am proud to introduce the Data Mapping to Save Moms' Lives Act with Reps. Butterfield and Bilirakis so the FCC can tackle this challenging issue."

Issues:Health Care