Bipartisan bill helps fix gap in obstetrics care for women in rural areas
Over the years, we have seen an unfortunate decline of dedicated labor and delivery facilities in rural hospitals. More than 80 rural hospitals across the United States have closed labor and delivery facilities since 2022. Sadly, the picture isn't much brighter in Wisconsin, where a dozen rural hospitals have stopped routinely delivering babies over the past fifteen years across our state.In northeast Wisconsin, where I represent the 8th Congressional district, we also saw the recent closure of ThedaCare's Waupaca labor and delivery center. Even before this closure, many women in our district faced travel times of nearly an hour to safely deliver their babies. As we know, longer travel times increase the risk of complications for both mothers and babies.On April 7, I was proud to co-sponsor the bipartisan Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act to help lower these risks and prevent pregnancy-related complications. This bill, introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Illinois, will provide training and equipment for medical staff in rural healthcare facilities and emergency obstetric services during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period.
The bill will help rural hospitals and doctors prepare to handle any obstetric emergencies that come through their doors by creating training programs to help non-specialists respond to complications during labor and delivery.
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The legislation also provides federal grants for rural medical facilities to buy better equipment and creates a pilot program for teleconsultation services so that medical professionals at rural facilities can better serve expecting or postpartum mothers. Simply put, equipping more rural healthcare facilities to provide labor and delivery services means shorter travel times and reduced risks for both mothers and their babies.
When I ran for Congress, my number one priority was to be a representative for my constituents in northeast Wisconsin regardless of their political affiliations. Rural communities have unique needs, and it is my belief that providing more labor and delivery services to ensure the safety of mothers and their babies is something we can all get behind.
The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act is a commonsense bill that I hope will have unanimous support in the House of Representatives. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this passed and ensure that women across Northeast Wisconsin, and rural areas across this country have the access to maternal healthcare they deserve.
U.S. Rep. Tony Wied, R-De Pere, represents the 8th Congressional District.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bill to help moms and babies is something we can all support | Opinion
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