Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my bill, the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act. The United States continues to lead the world in medical innovation, development of new cures, and cutting-edge medical technology. However, the high maternal mortality and stillbirth rate in the United States is inexcusable. Over 21,000 babies are stillborn every year, and nearly one in four of these deaths are preventable. In the last two decades, the stillbirth rate in the United States declined by a negligible 0.4 percent. In a report published by the World Health Organization comparing progress in improving stillbirth rates, the United States ranked 183 out of 195 countries. Our moms and our babies deserve better. The tragedy of a stillbirth, the unexpected death of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy, is devastating to mothers and fathers. Many women who endure a stillbirth have already picked out their baby's name or started decorating a nursery. The heartbreak of stillbirth leaves an unfillable void for the families that it impacts. Stillbirth disproportionately impacts minority, rural, and underserved communities, including many communities in my home State of Iowa that are designated as maternal healthcare deserts. I have heard from women in rural Iowa who drive over an hour to see their OB/GYN or visit the nearest maternal ward or hospital and struggle to receive the quality care they need throughout their pregnancy.…”