Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support Maternal Healthcare in Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), reintroduced the bipartisan Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support (MOMS) Act, which would strengthen maternal healthcare access in rural areas to improve the availability of labor and delivery services. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (HI-02), and Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16).

"As a pediatrician, I know how important it is for pregnant women to access labor and delivery services when they need them," said Congresswoman Schrier. "Our rural communities are struggling as local hospitals feel the impacts of federal funding cuts and staffing shortages, especially when it comes to maternal care. I am proud to introduce this legislation that will ensure women in rural areas have access to reliable, quality hospital services to give birth."

Fewer than half of rural hospitals in the U.S. still offer labor and delivery services, and those that do provide them are at risk of being forced to close. The Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support (MOMS) Act would allow Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) to account for labor and delivery beds separate from acute care rooms, allowing patients to access these services without threatening their CAH status.

"For critical access hospitals, flexibility is essential to keeping services local. By excluding labor and delivery beds from inpatient limits, Congress can help stabilize essential maternity services and access in rural areas. This bill addresses a technical issue with real-world consequences and is a practical step to protect care," said Washington State Hospital Association President and CEO Cassie Sauer.

This legislation is supported by the American Hospital Association, the Washington State Hospital Association, the Iowa Hospital Association, and the National Rural Health Association.

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