Kira Johnson Act

Bill Number: H.R. 8074
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Health
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-03-25: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Last Updated: 2026-04-23T08:07:13Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Kira Johnson Act (H.R. 8074) aims to end preventable maternal deaths and serious pregnancy-related health issues in the United States while reducing gaps in maternal health outcomes, particularly for groups facing higher risks.

Key Provisions

Sustained Funding for Community-Based Organizations (Sec. 2): Awards grants to community groups to create or expand programs improving maternal health equity. Includes a 1-year outreach period, technical assistance, and special priority for organizations serving high-risk communities (e.g., those addressing mental health, social factors like housing or food access, health education, midwifery, and support after pregnancy loss). Authorizes $100 million annually from FY 2027–2031. Requires evaluation by FY 2031.
Respectful Maternity Care Training (Sec. 3): Adds a new section to the Public Health Service Act for grants to train all maternity care staff (including non-clinical roles like receptionists and security) on reducing bias, racism, discrimination, and promoting culturally appropriate, trauma-informed care. Emphasizes ongoing training, anti-racism, and shared decision-making. Authorizes $5 million annually from FY 2027–2031. Includes annual reporting and best practices dissemination.
Study on Bias Reduction (Sec. 4): Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract with the National Academies for a study (due within 24 months) on effective programs to prevent bias in maternity care, including evaluation tools and training frequency.
Respectful Maternity Care Compliance Programs (Sec. 5): Grants to hospitals and birth settings for programs allowing reports of bias/racism, response mechanisms, public strategies, data collection, and annual HHS reports. HHS must develop best practices and conduct a study on accountability. Authorizes "such sums as necessary" for FY 2027–2032.
GAO Reports (Sec. 6): Requires annual Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports on compliance program adoption, impacts, barriers, and funding needs.
Definitions (Sec. 7): Clarifies terms like maternal mortality (pregnancy-related death within 1 year), severe maternal morbidity (serious health issues from pregnancy), perinatal health worker (e.g., doulas, community health workers), and culturally and linguistically congruent care (care matching patients' cultural and language preferences).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

New Grant Programs: Establishes multiple new HHS grant streams focused on equity, training, and compliance, with no prior equivalents specified.
Public Health Service Act Amendment: Adds Section 742 mandating training for all maternity staff to address bias and promote respectful care.
Reporting and Oversight: Introduces mandatory public reporting, studies, and GAO monitoring, expanding accountability beyond current maternal health initiatives.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: HHS gains responsibilities for grant administration, technical assistance, studies, and best practices; requires new processes within 90–180 days. Increases workload and funding needs for Congress via appropriations.
Citizens: Could improve health outcomes and experiences for pregnant/postpartum individuals, especially racial/ethnic minorities, through better training, community support, and bias reporting—potentially reducing deaths and disparities.
International Relations: None identified.

Main Stakeholders

Community-based organizations (esp. those led by/serving high-risk groups).
Hospitals, health systems, and maternity care providers/employees (all staff levels).
Pregnant/postpartum individuals and families, particularly from racial/ethnic minority groups.
Perinatal health workers (e.g., doulas, educators).
HHS, National Academies, GAO, and Congress.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Equity Focus: Prioritizes demographic groups with disparities (e.g., via special consideration), which may raise debates on race-conscious policies but aligns with existing health equity laws.
Funding Dependency: Authorizes appropriations but does not guarantee them, leaving implementation to future budgets.
Accountability Mechanisms: New reporting and studies could lead to future regulations or penalties for non-compliance, enhancing patient rights without direct mandates.
Neutral, Evidence-Based Approach: Emphasizes "evidence-based practices" and evaluations, minimizing legal challenges while promoting data-driven improvements.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]

Cosponsors (61)

Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20] and 11 more