HIMSS supports policies that strengthen maternal health data, improve interoperability and expand access to digital health tools as part of broader efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.

The recently reintroduced Maternal Health Momnibus Act includes two bills aligned with these priorities: the Data to Save Moms Act and the Tech to Save Moms Act. Together, the measures recognize the role that timely, reliable data and technology-enabled care can play in addressing gaps in care and supporting better maternal health outcomes. 

“Maternal health is a national priority, and the Data to Save Moms Act and Tech to Save Moms Act recognize that better data, stronger interoperability and expanded digital health tools are essential to identifying risks earlier, closing gaps in care, and improving outcomes for mothers and babies,” said Tom Leary, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at HIMSS. “HIMSS is proud to support policies that help providers, public health agencies, and communities use timely information and technology to deliver safer maternal care.”

Strengthening Maternal Health Data

The Data to Save Moms Act would strengthen the collection, quality and use of maternal health data to better understand maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity and inform efforts to prevent adverse outcomes.

The legislation would support more diverse and community-engaged state and Tribal Maternal Mortality Review Committees, review maternal health data collection processes and quality measures, study maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity among Native American mothers, and invest in maternal health research at Minority-Serving Institutions.

For HIMSS, strengthening the maternal health data infrastructure is an important part of ensuring providers, public health agencies and researchers have access to the information needed to identify disparities, understand where interventions are needed and make more informed decisions about maternal care.

Take Action: Support the Data to Save Moms Act through the HIMSS advocacy campaign.

Expanding Technology-Enabled Maternal Care

The Tech to Save Moms Act would advance the use of technology to improve maternal health, particularly for patients in rural and underserved communities.

The bill would support telehealth payment and service delivery models, examine digital tools that can improve maternal health outcomes, advance technology-enabled collaborative learning for maternity care providers and establish a comprehensive study of how technology can be used to reduce maternal mortality, morbidity and disparities.

Expanding access to telehealth and other digital health solutions can help extend care beyond traditional clinical settings, connect patients with appropriate services and give providers additional tools to support patients throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Take Action: Support the Tech to Save Moms Act through the HIMSS advocacy campaign.

A Broader Effort to Improve Maternal Health

The Data to Save Moms Act and Tech to Save Moms Act are part of the broader Maternal Health Momnibus Act, a 14-bill legislative package reintroduced by U.S. Senator Cory Booker and U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood and Alma Adams to address preventable maternal deaths and persistent disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality.

The United States continues to face significant maternal health challenges, with a maternal mortality rate of 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are considered preventable.

The Momnibus addresses a range of factors contributing to the maternal health crisis, including social determinants of health, workforce shortages, maternal mental health, public health preparedness, climate-related risks and research gaps.

HIMSS recognizes that data and technology alone cannot solve the maternal health crisis, but they are critical components of a more informed and equitable approach to care. Investments in stronger data infrastructure, interoperability, telehealth and digital equity can help health systems and communities identify risks earlier, improve coordination and ultimately support safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes.