Bill

BILL • US SENATE

S 845

Farmland Security Act of 2025

119th Congress
Introduced by Tammy Baldwin, Chuck Grassley,

The Maternal Health, Dignity and Consent Act ensures pregnant women receive informed consent and respectful care, improving health outcomes and empowering their choices.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary • S 845

Summary of Bill S 845: Maternal Health, Dignity and Consent Act

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 845, titled the "Maternal Health, Dignity and Consent Act," aims to enhance maternal health care by ensuring that women receive dignified and informed consent during their pregnancy and childbirth experiences. The legislation seeks to address systemic issues in maternal health care that may lead to inadequate treatment, lack of respect for women's autonomy, and disparities in health outcomes.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions designed to improve maternal health care practices:

  • Informed Consent Requirements: Health care providers must ensure that women are fully informed about their treatment options, including potential risks and benefits, before making decisions regarding their care.

  • Dignity in Care: The legislation mandates that all maternal health care services be delivered with respect for the dignity of the patient, emphasizing the importance of compassionate care.

  • Training for Health Care Providers: The bill calls for enhanced training programs for health care professionals focused on maternal health, consent processes, and cultural competency to better serve diverse populations.

  • Data Collection and Reporting: The act requires the collection of data related to maternal health outcomes, which will be used to identify disparities and improve care practices.

  • Support Services: It proposes the establishment of support services for women during and after pregnancy, including mental health resources and community support networks.

Affected Parties

The primary beneficiaries of the Maternal Health, Dignity and Consent Act are:

  • Pregnant Women: The act is designed to empower women by ensuring they have a voice in their health care decisions and receive respectful treatment.

  • Health Care Providers: Medical professionals will be required to adhere to new standards of care, which may involve additional training and adjustments to current practices.

  • Health Care Institutions: Hospitals and clinics will need to implement policies that align with the requirements of the act, potentially impacting their operational procedures.

Procedural Timeline

The legislative journey of Bill S 845 has included several key actions:

  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Referred to Women's Issues: January 08, 2025
  • Reported and Committed to Health: April 29, 2025
  • 1st Report Calendar: May 13, 2025
  • 2nd Report Calendar: May 14, 2025
  • Advanced to Third Reading: May 15, 2025
  • Committed to Rules: June 13, 2025

Related Legislation

Bill S 845 is connected to several prior-session bills that address similar themes in maternal health, including:

  • A 5478
  • S 4821
  • A 4285
  • S 320
  • A 860 (companion bill)

These related bills may provide additional context or complementary measures aimed at improving maternal health care.

Conclusion

The Maternal Health, Dignity and Consent Act represents a significant step toward improving the quality of maternal health care by prioritizing informed consent and dignity for women. As it progresses through the legislative process, its potential impact on health care practices and outcomes for pregnant women will be closely monitored.

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Key Provisions Impacts Timeline
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