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Lawmakers have been working to address maternal mortality for several years, and one Republican legislator wants to ensure it stays at the forefront of discussions. State Rep. Lauren Daniel, R-Locust Grove, recently introduced a package of legislation, House Bills 1036, 1037 and 1038, aimed at addressing maternal and infant health in Georgia.

“Over the last decade, there have been numerous efforts made in the legislature to address maternal mortality in Georgia,” said Rep. Daniel. “However, nationwide, we have seen a rise in maternal health issues such as heart disease, cardiomyopathy, pre-eclampsia, embolism, gestational diabetes and maternal mental health conditions; many of these also lead to consequential health issues in infants.”

According to Daniel, one of the bills would create the Georgia Commission on Maternal and Infant Health. Under House Bill 1037, the commission would be assigned by the Georgia Department of Public Health and consist of 14 members, with six being appointed by the Governor, three appointed by the Lt. Governor and three appointed by the Speaker of the House. The governor’s appointees would include an obstetrician, either a pediatrician or neonatologist, a midwife and a representative of a perinatal facility.

The commission would be charged with soliciting the views of perinatal facilities, healthcare providers and related professional associations on the state of perinatal care in Georgia and give due consideration to the current recommendations of medical and scientific organizations in the field of perinatal care. Members would be tasked with making policy recommendations, establishing a way to measure the quality and effectiveness of perinatal care in Georgia and submit state-wide policy recommendations on its findings no later than June 30, 2026.

“While I believe the work being done through the Maternal Mortality Review Committee is beneficial, it is limited in its scope,” said Daniel. “My hope is that by bringing all to the table in the form of a commission, this will allow us as policy makers to approach the problem in a more holistic manner for women and their children with all of the facts involved.”

House Bill 1036 would require the State Board of Education, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Public Health, to implement a course of study in pregnancy, health and human development for grades nine through 12. This coursework would be included as part of the pre-existing health and physical education course requirements. This bill would also require the coursework to include instruction on human biology related to pregnancy and other related topics.

“One of the most common things I have heard from obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians, nurses and most importantly, mothers, is there just simply is not an adequate level of knowledge around the complications that can arise both during and after childbirth,” said Daniel. “One of the findings of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee was that the majority of women who have died due to pregnancy complications only held a high school diploma or less.”

House Bill 1038 would implement punishment for those found guilty of reproductive battery.

“The reproductive battery bill is necessary because currently in Georgia, there is no protection or civil recourse for couples seeking fertility treatment if their medical provider uses a different donor than the one selected by the patient,” said Rep. Daniel. “As IVF treatments grow more popular and necessary as fertility rates drop nationwide, this bill will ensure patients are protected and consent is prioritized.”