hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Authorizes grants and studies to use technology for better maternal healthcare.
Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA), joined by a bipartisan group of co-sponsors.
Introduced in the House, referred to committee.
This bill, introduced by Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA) and a bipartisan group of co-sponsors, proposes two new grant programs. These programs would fund the use of technology and specialized training to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly in underserved areas. It also requires a study on technology's role in maternal care, including its impact on racial bias. Currently, the bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives and sent to a committee for review.
Introduced Apr 15, 2026
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 15, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Before it can become law, the bill must be considered and approved by this committee. If it passes committee, it would then need to be voted on by the full House of Representatives, then the Senate, and finally signed by the President.
If this bill passes, individuals in underserved areas could see an increase in access to technology-supported maternal health services, including remote monitoring during and after pregnancy. Healthcare providers, including doulas and lactation consultants, could receive enhanced training focusing on safety, implicit bias, and the use of new technologies. Additionally, a federal study will evaluate how existing and new technologies, including artificial intelligence, impact racial and ethnic biases in maternal healthcare and propose best practices.
Supporters Say
Supporters would argue this bill uses modern technology and targeted training to address critical maternal health disparities and save lives.
Critics Say
Critics might question the effectiveness or cost of the proposed technology interventions, or raise concerns about data privacy and equitable broadband access.
Those in favor of the bill emphasize its potential to leverage technology to combat the high rates of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, especially for individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups and those in rural areas. They might highlight the focus on provider training to reduce implicit bias as a crucial step. Potential concerns could include ensuring reliable internet access in all targeted areas, the long-term sustainability of programs funded by these limited grants, or the need for robust privacy safeguards for patient data collected through digital tools, although the bill does require the National Academies study to address privacy.