ACNM is a proud supporter of The BABIES Act. We encourage all midwives and midwifery supporters to reach out to their members of Congress and encourage cosponsorship and inclusion in any must past end of year legislation.
Background:
Introduced in May 2021 by Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA), Rep. Jamie Hererra Beutler (R-WA), Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) , the Birth Access Benefiting Improved Essential Facility Services (BABIES) Act , H.R. 3337/S. 1716, would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration project under the Medicaid program in six states in areas identified a having limited access to maternity care. Building upon the success of CMS's Strong Start Demonstration Program, the BABIES Act would provide grant funding to states to develop and advance innovative payment models for freestanding birth centers. The birth center model of care has been shown to reduce preterm and low birth weight births, reduce cesarean births, and lead to significant cost savings due to better outcomes.
ACNM encourages all midwives and midwifery supporters to contact their members of Congress and urge support for this critical legislation. We have provided a template letter that can be edited to reflect your thoughts and opinions in support of the BABIES Act.
Click here to read AABC's fact sheet and to learn more about the BABIES Act.
Background:
Introduced in May 2021 by Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA), Rep. Jamie Hererra Beutler (R-WA), Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) , the Birth Access Benefiting Improved Essential Facility Services (BABIES) Act , H.R. 3337/S. 1716, would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration project under the Medicaid program in six states in areas identified a having limited access to maternity care. Building upon the success of CMS's Strong Start Demonstration Program, the BABIES Act would provide grant funding to states to develop and advance innovative payment models for freestanding birth centers. The birth center model of care has been shown to reduce preterm and low birth weight births, reduce cesarean births, and lead to significant cost savings due to better outcomes.
ACNM encourages all midwives and midwifery supporters to contact their members of Congress and urge support for this critical legislation. We have provided a template letter that can be edited to reflect your thoughts and opinions in support of the BABIES Act.
Click here to read AABC's fact sheet and to learn more about the BABIES Act.