WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined together today to introduce the Protecting Moms and Infants Act (PMIA). This legislation builds upon their 2015 bill, the Protecting Our Infants Act (POIA), which was the first federal law to address prenatal opioid exposure.
The aim of the POIA was to develop a strategy to prevent prenatal exposure to opioids, treat infants born with opioid withdrawal, and improve the states’ public health response to this growing problem. Specifically, it instructed the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a review of the agency’s activities related to prenatal opioid abuse and treating infants born dependent on opioids; coordinate with stakeholders to develop recommendations for preventing and treating prenatal opioid exposure and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS); and present a comprehensive strategy to address gaps in research and programs. After subsequent legislation challenging the agencies to follow Congress’ timeline, these recommendations were published in 2017.
With the groundwork laid by the passage of POIA, Senators McConnell and Casey today introduced the Protecting Moms and Infants Act, which requests the Secretary of HHS to provide Congress with a report on the implementation of the comprehensive strategies developed as required by POIA. This legislation also calls on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to work with stakeholders to develop educational materials on pain management for doctors and expecting mothers. It also authorizes an increase in funding for a competitive federal grant that assists organizations with addressing this particular challenge within the broader opioid crisis.
“The opioid epidemic cannot be solved by a single program or piece of legislation. But by building on our successful efforts, we can continue to make a real difference in the lives of its smallest victims,” Senator McConnell said. “To address a complex issue like the opioid epidemic, it is critical that the federal government continues to collaborate with states, communities, and localities to find comprehensive solutions through prevention and treatment. I am proud to once again join with my colleague, Senator Bob Casey, to unveil this legislation which seeks to address prenatal opioid exposure and help the increasing number of vulnerable infants born dependent on opioids.”“While we’ve seen some progress in the fight to protect our children from the opioid epidemic, there’s still much more to be done,” said Senator Casey. “This legislation builds upon a framework already in place and works to further protect infants affected by the opioid epidemic, including by strengthening the supports in place for pregnant women struggling with substance use disorder. I’m pleased to once again join with Senator McConnell to introduce a bipartisan solution to this ongoing problem.”
Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives.
“Too many Kentuckians have fallen victim to our nation’s opioid crisis. I was proud to introduce legislation to help pregnant women experiencing opioid use disorder and their babies get the treatment they need to recover. I want to thank Leader McConnell and Senator Casey for introducing bipartisan companion legislation in the Senate. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both chambers to advance this legislation so we can help mothers and their babies,” said Congressman Guthrie.
