“The MOM Act: Using Technology to Protect Mothers”

The Connected MOM Act is a new bill that aims to make healthcare safer and more accessible for pregnant women. “MOM” stands for Maternal Online Monitoring, and it focuses on using remote devices like blood pressure cuffs and glucose monitors so doctors can keep track of moms’ health from a distance. Instead of having to visit the clinic all the time, patients could send their readings online, making it easier to stay connected with their doctors.

The bill asks Medicaid—the federal health program for low-income families—to find ways to cover these remote monitoring tools. That’s a big deal for people who live far from hospitals or don’t have reliable transportation. For many women in rural or underserved areas, missing appointments can lead to serious problems that could’ve been prevented.

This act matters because the U.S. has one of the highest maternal death rates among developed countries. Conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can turn dangerous fast, especially during or after pregnancy. If doctors can monitor patients in real time, they can spot warning signs early and step in before things get worse.

It’s also about fairness. Not every state offers the same level of maternal care, and Black women and rural mothers often face higher risks due to limited access and systemic inequality. The Connected MOM Act would help close that gap by giving more moms consistent care, no matter where they live.

Support for the bill is strong on both sides of Congress, and many healthcare groups back it too. It’s a smart way to use technology we already have to protect mothers and babies. If passed, it could make pregnancy safer for thousands of families across the country.