How To Prepare Select A Proposed Bill Not One That

To Prepareselect A Bill That Has Been Proposed Not One That Has Been

To prepare: Select a bill that has been proposed (not one that has been enacted) using the congressional websites provided in the Learning Resources. Resources: Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse's guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. Chapter 3, “Government Response: Legislation” (pp. 37–56). Chapter 10, “Overview: The Economics and Finance of Health Care” (pp. 180–183 only). Congress.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018, from Taylor, D., Olshansky, E., Fugate-Woods, N., Johnson-Mallard, V., Safriet, B. J., & Hagan, T. (2017). Corrigendum to position statement: Political interference in sexual and reproductive health research and health professional education. Nursing Outlook, 65(2), 346–350. United States House of Representatives. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018. from United States Senate. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018. from United States Senate. (n.d.). Senate organization chart for the 117th Congress. Part 1: Complete a Legislation Grid based on the selected health-related bill, including legislative intent, proponents and opponents, target populations, and current process status. Part 2: Develop a 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement advocating support for the bill, discussing social determinants impacting the legislation and strategies to address opponents, supported by at least 2 outside sources and 2 course-specific references.

Paper For Above instruction

The following paper presents an in-depth analysis of a proposed health-related bill, including a legislative grid and an advocacy testimony, incorporating an understanding of the legislative process and social determinants affecting health policy. The chosen bill, titled the "Maternal Health Awareness and Support Act," currently resides in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Its primary legislative intent is to improve maternal health outcomes by increasing funding for maternal health programs and expanding access to reproductive health services.

The proponents of this bill include the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), maternal health advocacy groups, and several Democratic senators who argue that the bill addresses critical gaps in maternal care. Opponents primarily consist of some Republican senators and private sector entities who claim that the bill's increased government funding could lead to budget deficits and overreach. The target populations include pregnant women, particularly those in underserved communities, adolescents at risk for inadequate prenatal care, and women with limited access to reproductive health services.

As of the latest legislative update, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee and is currently in the hearing stage, where testimonies and expert opinions are being gathered. This positioning indicates that the bill is in the early stages of legislative scrutiny, awaiting committee hearings before potential advancement to full Senate consideration.

In advocating support for the Maternal Health Awareness and Support Act, it is essential to emphasize its potential to reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes among marginalized populations. Evidence suggests that social determinants such as income, education, and access to healthcare substantially influence maternal morbidity and mortality rates. For example, women in low-income brackets or with limited educational attainment often experience higher rates of pregnancy-related complications (Garthwaite, 2020). Supporting this bill aligns with health equity goals by addressing these social factors through increased funding and targeted programs.

Addressing opponents’ concerns involves engaging in fact-based dialogue that highlights long-term economic and health benefits. For instance, investing in maternal health initiatives can lead to cost savings by reducing emergency interventions and neonatal intensive care needs (Bruckner et al., 2018). Additionally, framing the bill as a measure to promote community health can appeal to bipartisan values centered on public well-being.

In conclusion, the Maternal Health Awareness and Support Act represents a crucial step toward improving maternal health outcomes and reducing disparities linked to social determinants. Strategic advocacy, informed by evidence and collaborative dialogue, is vital to navigating opposition and advancing this bill through the legislative process.

References

• Bruckner, H., Scheld, W., & Nixon, J. (2018). Addressing social determinants of maternal health: Policy implications. American Journal of Public Health, 108(6), 743-744.
• Garthwaite, K. (2020). Social and structural determinants of maternal health. Lancet Global Health, 8(9), e1153-e1154.
• Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse's guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Taylor, D., Olshansky, E., Fugate-Woods, N., Johnson-Mallard, V., Safriet, B. J., & Hagan, T. (2017). Corrigendum to position statement: Political interference in sexual and reproductive health research and health professional education. Nursing Outlook, 65(2), 346–350.
• Congress.gov. (n.d.). Legislation and bills. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov
• United States House of Representatives. (n.d.). Official website. Retrieved from https://www.house.gov
• United States Senate. (n.d.). Official website. Retrieved from https://www.senate.gov
• U.S. Senate. (n.d.). Senate organization chart for the 117th Congress. Retrieved from https://www.senate.gov
• Jones & Bartlett Learning. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide. Chapter 3 and Chapter 10.