NIH Implementing a Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone Act

The House considered H.R. 6238, the NIH IMPROVE Act, which puts into law the National Institutes of Health’s IMPROVE Initiative, providing grants and support for research on improving health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women, especially in disproportionately affected populations. Supporters from both parties, including Representatives Underwood, Fitzpatrick, DeGette, Adams, and Guthrie, said the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries, that deaths among Black women and women in rural areas are especially high, and that most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, so continued research funding is needed. Members said the bill would ensure consistent funding for that research. The debate was largely supportive, with no notable opposition discussed.Written by AI from the debate. Updated 2026-10-17.

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