Washington, D.C. — Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, issued the following statement in response to the passage of the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act (H.R. 1209) through the Energy & Commerce full committee.
“Consistent, high-quality maternity care is of the utmost importance for both a mother and baby during pregnancy. H.R. 1209 is an important step in addressing critical shortages of maternity care providers across the country. I am appreciative that the full committee recognizes the value of helping place more maternity care providers where they are needed most throughout the country and for the dedication of the professional organizations in advancing this important piece of legislation.”
The National Health Service Corps provides student loan repayment to physicians and other health professionals in exchange for a commitment to provide care in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. This program has been effective in reducing provider shortages by inspiring new providers to start where they are needed most. This legislation would more effectively allocate maternity care providers based on an area or population’s specific needs. Maternity care providers will continue to be able to participate, but their participation will be targeted to areas with a demonstrated shortage of maternity care providers, not just a primary care shortage. This is a budget neutral bill.