hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Funds community maternal health programs and training to combat bias in care.
Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) and many other Representatives.
In committee, no House vote yet.
The Kira Johnson Act aims to address high maternal mortality rates and disparities by providing grants to community groups for health programs and funding training to reduce bias in maternity care. It was introduced by Representative Alma Adams, a Democrat from North Carolina. Currently, the bill is awaiting consideration by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Introduced Mar 25, 2026
This bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. For it to advance, the committee must consider and vote on it. If approved, it would then proceed to a full House vote, then the Senate, and finally the President for signature.
If this bill passes, community groups offering maternal health services, from mental health support to midwifery, could get federal grants, potentially expanding access to care. Healthcare providers and staff in maternity settings might participate in mandatory training to address racial bias and improve the quality of care they provide. Hospitals would also be encouraged to set up formal systems for patients to report instances of racism or bias during their care, with follow-up and public reporting.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue the bill is crucial for saving lives and addressing systemic inequities in maternal healthcare, especially for minority groups.
Critics Say
Potential critics might raise concerns about federal overreach into healthcare training or the cost of new grant programs and compliance requirements.
Proponents believe that by investing in community-based solutions and mandating respectful care training, the nation can significantly reduce preventable maternal deaths and close the gap in health outcomes for women of color. While the bill outlines funding, some may question the long-term sustainability or administrative burden of implementing new reporting and compliance programs within hospitals.