Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act Seeks to Protect Pregnant Mothers and Infants from Treatable Disease

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) introduced the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act to protect pregnant mothers and infants from congenital syphilis, a preventable and treatable disease. The bill aims to provide states with guidance on best practices for screening and treatment of congenital syphilis under Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Key Takeaways:

  • The New Mexico Department of Health reported a 20 percent increase in cases of congenital syphilis in 2023, with 91 cases reported, making New Mexico the state with the highest rate of congenital syphilis and the second highest rate of primary or secondary syphilis according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • The bill requires the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to issue guidance to state Medicaid agencies, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Indian Health Service (IHS) on actions states may take to improve access to syphilis screening for pregnant mothers and infants.
  • The legislation also requires guidance on best practices for physicians treating cases of congenital syphilis, strategies for increasing access to telehealth services, and increasing access to treatment in the third trimester and at delivery.
  • The bill is endorsed by organizations such as the Navajo Birthworker Collective, the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), March of Dimes, the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
  • Nearly eradicated in the U.S. during the 1990s, syphilis is treatable with penicillin, but the CDC reports infections are at their highest levels since the 1950s, with rates of infection on the rise over recent years.

Statistics:

  • 91 cases of congenital syphilis reported in New Mexico in 2023, representing a 20 percent increase from previous years.
  • New Mexico has the highest rate of congenital syphilis and the second highest rate of primary or secondary syphilis according to the CDC.
  • Syphilis infections are at their highest levels since the 1950s, according to the CDC.
  • Nearly eradicated in the U.S. during the 1990s, syphilis is still a preventable and treatable disease.

Sources:

  • Heinrich, M. (2024). "We must do more to help stop the increase of babies born in New Mexico with congenital syphilis."
  • Wicker, R. (2024). "The syphilis epidemic has impacted many Mississippians, and I am working to protect mothers and children from this disease."
  • Stansbury, M. (2024). "We must do everything we can to protect mothers and their infants."
  • Ciscomani, J. (2024). "Information saves lives and I am proud to co-lead the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act."
  • New Mexico Department of Health. (2023). "Congenital syphilis cases increase in New Mexico."
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). "Rates of congenital syphilis increase in the US."
  • Navajo Birthworker Collective. (2024). "The Navajo Birthworker Collective supports the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act because our communities deserve access to timely screening and treatment to protect the lives and health of our mothers and babies."
  • National Coalition of STD Directors. (2024). "Congenital syphilis is a national public health crisis--and it's a crisis we can prevent."
  • March of Dimes. (2024). "The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act ensures that every state has the tools and guidance needed to detect and treat syphilis in pregnancy."