Protecting Moms Who Served (S. 796)

Summary

Makes the Department of Veterans Affairs' maternity care program official and studies maternal health issues to better support veterans who are mothers.

What problem does this solve?

Female veterans can face special health problems during and after pregnancy because of their military service, but community doctors may not know how to help them. This law creates a program to give these doctors training and support to provide better care for veteran mothers.

What does this law do?

Establishes a formal maternity care program

Officially creates the maternity care coordination program within the Department of Veterans Affairs, based on an existing directive.

Funds the maternity care program

Authorizes $15 million for fiscal year 2022 to support the maternity care coordination program. This funding is in addition to other money for veteran maternity care.

Requires a report on veteran maternal health

Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study and report on death and severe health problems among pregnant and postpartum veterans, focusing on racial and ethnic disparities.

Provides training for community doctors

Requires the VA to train and support community maternity care providers on the unique needs of veterans, especially regarding mental and behavioral health conditions related to military service.

Investigates service-related causes of maternal health issues

The required report must look into causes of maternal death and illness that are unique to veterans, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and military sexual trauma.

Who does this affect?

Female veterans
Community healthcare providers
Families of veterans

What is the real world impact?

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Improves healthcare for female veterans

Provides dedicated funding and structure for a program to coordinate maternity care, aiming to improve health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum veterans.

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Addresses gaps in community care

Recognizes that community healthcare providers may not be equipped to handle the unique mental and physical health needs of veterans. The law requires training and support for these providers.

When does this start?

This law takes effect on November 30, 2021, and includes funding for fiscal year 2022 and a report due within two years.

GAO report on maternal health

The Government Accountability Office must submit its report on maternal mortality and morbidity among veterans no later than two years after November 30, 2021.

Program funding

Authorizes $15 million in funding for the maternity care coordination program for the 2022 fiscal year.