McClellan, Mace Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Child Care Supports for Maternal Health

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) and Nancy Mace (R-SC-01) introduced H.R. 5581, the bipartisan Child Care Assistance for Maternal Health Act to increase short-term child care access for mothers and their families during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

The maternal mortality rate in the United States is nearly three times higher than other high-income countries around the world. The maternal health crisis disproportionately impacts Black and Brown women, who experience maternal morbidity at rates nearly three times higher than white women. Pregnancy-related deaths are largely preventable and often result from mental health conditions associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

“The maternal mortality crisis and the child care crisis disproportionately impact Black, low-income, and single-parent families, and it is past time we take action on these pressing issues,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Before coming to Congress, I served in the state legislature for nearly 18 years and was the first member of the Virginia House of Delegates to become pregnant and give birth while in office. Five years later, I almost died while giving birth to my daughter. My experiences as a working mother to two young children and a Black mother who experienced pregnancy-related complications give me a deep understanding of the challenges families face throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Today, I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Child Care Assistance for Maternal Health Act with Congresswoman Mace, a fellow mother in Congress, to take historic action to address these intersectional crises.”

"Nurturing mothers and empowering families should be at the forefront of our society's values. By supporting increased access to short-term child care during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, we are not only ensuring the well-being of mothers but also fostering a stronger foundation for our future generations. We are committed to providing the support and resources necessary for mothers to thrive as they embark on the incredible journey of motherhood," said Congresswoman Mace

The Child Care Assistance for Maternal Health Act:

• Establishes a federal grant program to support mothers and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period by increasing access to short-term child care.
• Prioritizes grant applicants that provide families with assistance to find a long-term childcare option, serve areas with higher rates of maternal mortality and poverty, and serve maternity care target areas.
• Prioritizes support for vulnerable populations, including low-income families, families experiencing homelessness, single-parent households, and families with children with disabilities or special health care needs.
• Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify successful activities to improve maternal health outcomes and provide reports to Congress.

McClellan is a member of the Bipartisan Congressional Pre-K and Child Care Caucus and Mace is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan Affordable Child Care Caucus. Both McClellan and Mace are part of the 6.8% of members who are mothers in Congress.

The Child Care Assistance for Maternal Health Act is endorsed by the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, Bipartisan Policy Center, First Five Years Fund, March of Dimes, the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Mom Congress, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, and Zero to Three.

Read the Child Care Assistance for Maternal Health Act bill text, one-pager, and quotes of support.

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