Duval Times

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Jon Tester (D-MT) and U.S. Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) have introduced a bill aimed at improving maternal health care for women serving in the military and their family members. The bill, titled the Improving Access to Maternal Health for Military and Dependent Moms Act, would require the U.S. Department of Defense to provide Congress with a comprehensive study on access to maternal health care within the Military Health Service.

Recent studies have highlighted low patient satisfaction for obstetric care in military health facilities, despite pregnancy and childbirth being the top reasons for inpatient admissions at these facilities. The unique challenges faced by mothers in the military, including additional stress from military service and frequent station changes, make it difficult for them to seek the necessary resources for their maternal health care.

Senator Rubio emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges, stating, "Ensuring the well-being of our military families means addressing the unique challenges mothers face while they, or their spouses, serve in the military. The Improving Access to Maternal Health for Military and Dependent Moms Act is a crucial step towards understanding and overcoming the obstacles to maternal health care within the Military Health System."

Senator Tester echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for quality and affordable health care for mothers who are veterans, military spouses, or currently serving in the military. He said, "Our bill will help make sure female servicemembers and military spouses can access the same care as civilians through TRICARE, and ensure we live up to the promises we make to them when they sign up to serve our nation."

Congresswoman Stefanik, who is leading the bill, highlighted the importance of accessible maternal healthcare for service members and their families. She expressed her pride in leading the legislation, stating, "Our service members and their families endure many hardships, ensuring accessible maternal healthcare should not be one of them. As a mom, it is despicable to read reports of expecting mothers being turned away from hospitals on military installations due to a shortage in full-service medical staff. Service members and their families selflessly serve our nation, and it is our responsibility to take care of them and their families during the most important moments of their lives."

Congresswoman Sewell, who is also co-leading the bill, emphasized the need to better understand the challenges faced by expecting service members and their spouses. She said, "Our service members and their families deserve access to reliable and quality health care all the time, and that includes maternity services. To better serve our expecting service members and their spouses, we need to better understand the challenges they face while attempting to access care."

The bill has garnered support from organizations such as the Military Family Advisory Network, Military Officers Association of America, and National Military Family Association. These organizations recognize the importance of improving maternal health care for military families.

In conclusion, the introduction of the Improving Access to Maternal Health for Military and Dependent Moms Act by Senators Rubio and Tester and Representatives Stefanik and Sewell is a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by women serving in the military and their family members. The bill aims to ensure that adequate and accessible maternal health care is provided within the Military Health System, fulfilling the promise made to these individuals when they chose to serve our nation.