Bipartisan Effort to Address Syphilis Epidemic Advances in Congress

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani has reintroduced the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act, a bipartisan, bicameral effort to address the syphilis epidemic and ensure that mothers, pregnant women, and infants are as healthy as possible. The bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidance to states on the best practices for screening and treatment of congenital syphilis under Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Syphilis is a highly treatable and preventable disease that was nearly eradicated in the 1990s. However, in recent years, we have seen an increase in syphilis cases, with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that infections are at the highest levels since the 1950s. The Arizona Department of Health Services reported that cases of congenital syphilis rose by 244% from 2018 to 2022.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act aims to address the syphilis epidemic and ensure that mothers, pregnant women, and infants are as healthy as possible.
  • The bill would require HHS to issue guidance to states on the best practices for screening and treatment of congenital syphilis under Medicaid, CHIP, and IHS.
  • Syphilis cases have increased to the highest levels since the 1950s, with the CDC reporting a surge in infections.
  • The Arizona Department of Health Services reported a 244% increase in cases of congenital syphilis from 2018 to 2022.
  • Congressman Juan Ciscomani is joined by Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) in reintroducing the bill.
  • Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced companion legislation.
  • March of Dimes, the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), and Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health support the bill.
  • The bill is endorsed by David C. Harvey, Executive Director of the NCSD, and Karen Martinot, DNP, WHNP, Director of Programs & Clinical Administration, Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health.

Statistics:

  • 244% increase in cases of congenital syphilis from 2018 to 2022 according to the Arizona Department of Health Services
  • Highest levels of syphilis infections since the 1950s according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Sources:

  • Congressman Juan Ciscomani, press release, reintroducing the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act
  • Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), press release, supporting the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act
  • Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), press release, introducing companion legislation
  • March of Dimes, press release, supporting the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act
  • National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), press release, supporting the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act
  • Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health, press release, supporting the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act