Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act

Bill Number: H.R. 9015
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-05-22: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Last Updated: 2026-06-25T17:54:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act (H.R. 9015)

Purpose

The legislation authorizes U.S. assistance to train and retain obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) and urogynecology sub-specialists in least developed countries. It aims to improve the quality of care for women’s health needs, with a focus on preventing and treating childbirth-related injuries such as obstetric fistula.

Key Provisions

International OB/GYN and Urogynecology Promotion Program: Authorizes the President, through the Director of the John E. Fogarty International Center for Advanced Study in the Health Sciences, to provide assistance for:
Fellowship and residency programs coordinated with institutions of higher education, midwifery programs, and clinical centers in least developed countries.
Training centers to address shortages of OB-GYNs and urogynecology specialists.
10-Year Strategy: Requires the President to develop a comprehensive strategy addressing physician shortages, including implementation plans, multi-sector approaches, research on prevention and rehabilitation, evidence-based care systems, capacity-building partnerships, and resource distribution priorities.
Reporting Requirements: Mandates an initial strategy report to Congress within two years and annual reports evaluating program effectiveness.
Definitions: Clarifies terms such as “childbirth-related injuries” (including obstetric fistula and pelvic organ prolapse), “low-income country,” and “least developed country.”

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new statutory authority for targeted international health assistance focused on obstetric fistula and related injuries. It does not amend or repeal existing statutes but establishes a dedicated program and strategy under the direction of the Fogarty International Center, expanding U.S. foreign assistance activities in women’s health.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Directs involvement of the Fogarty International Center, with coordination from the Department of State, USAID, and other relevant executive branch agencies in international health efforts.
Citizens: Aims to benefit women and girls in least developed countries by increasing access to specialized medical training, treatment, and prevention services for childbirth injuries.
International Relations: Supports alignment with United Nations resolutions and Sustainable Development Goals on ending fistula by 2030, potentially strengthening U.S. partnerships in global health and human rights initiatives.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Women and girls in least developed countries experiencing or at risk of obstetric fistula.
Medical students, residents, and midwifery programs in target countries.
U.S. executive branch agencies responsible for foreign assistance.
Institutions of higher education and health care centers involved in training partnerships.
International organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The bill operates within existing presidential authority for foreign assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. It emphasizes human rights framing and gender equity without creating new regulatory mandates on private entities or U.S. citizens. No direct constitutional conflicts are indicated in the text.

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

Sponsor

Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]

Recent Actions

2026-05-22: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
2026-05-22: Introduced in House
2026-05-22: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act — issued 2026-05-22 — PDF (11 pages)