Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat the Syphilis Epidemic, Protect Mothers and Infants

U.S Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act, legislation to protect pregnant mothers and infants by requiring the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to issue guidance to states on best practices for screening and treatment of congenital syphilis under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Indian Health Service (IHS). 

The house version is being led by Representatives Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6) and Yadira Caraveo (D-CO-8).   

“Arizona has seen a concerning increase in congenital syphilis cases over the past few years. We know this disease is preventable, and we owe it to our communities to make that a reality,” said Kelly. “Information saves lives and this bipartisan legislation is a critical step in making sure mothers and babies receive the screenings and treatments they need to stay healthy.” 

“As New Mexico tackles the syphilis epidemic, I remain committed to protecting pregnant mothers and babies by ensuring they have access to essential screening and treatment for congenital syphilis. That is what my Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will do,” said Heinrich. “I will keep fighting to expand access to the high-quality health care New Mexicans need in their home communities.” 

“With rapidly rising rates of congenital syphilis in Arizona’s newborns, we need to ensure our mothers, families, and health care professionals have thorough access to proper information and solutions when it comes to tackling and preventing this disease,” said Ciscomani. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to promote and improve screenings and treatments for syphilis, ensuring pregnant women, mothers, and babies stay as healthy as possible.”  

“Affirm is proud to have supported the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act and we are grateful to Senator Kelly for his role in its introduction. As the HHS OPA funded Title X Family Planning Grantee in the state of Arizona, our staff are keenly aware of the devastating consequences of undetected or undertreated syphilis on babies and families in Arizona. Affirm is committed to be part of solutions aimed to increase access to syphilis screening and timely treatment, educate health professionals and our communities, and decrease stigma around this vitally important health topic. Our babies are counting on us to reduce maternal and infant syphilis. We applaud Senator Kelly for making this a priority and we look forward to celebrating the passage of this bill,” said Karen Martinot, DNP, WHNP, Director of Programs & Clinical Administration, Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health. 

Background 

Untreated, syphilis can seriously damage the heart and brain and can cause blindness, deafness, and paralysis among newborns. Screening during the third trimester and at delivery can lead to earlier detection of congenital syphilis and prevent adverse health outcomes for mothers and newborn infants. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows Arizona as the state with the third highest rate of congenital syphilis in the nation. 

Specifically, the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act requires the HHS to issue guidance to state Medicaid agencies on actions states may take to improve access to syphilis screening for pregnant mothers and infants, 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 legislation is endorsed by the National Coalition of STD Directors, March of Dimes, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, and Affirm.  The text of the bill is here.