Impact of Cuts to Federal Health Agencies and Infrastructure on Maternal and Infant Health
The following is a statement from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine President Sindhu Srinivas, MD, MSCE:
“The recent mass firing of US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) staff, the reduction in the public health infrastructure, the elimination of vital public health programs, and cuts to federal research funding will most certainly have a long-term harmful impact on maternal and infant health in the US. The loss of so many key HHS agency staff with expertise and experience in maternal health is significant and will be felt today and in the years to come.
“SMFM is alarmed by these recent actions to drastically reduce the federal public health workforce and infrastructure.
“Improving the health of a pregnant person before, during, and after pregnancy not only enhances both maternal and infant health, it also benefits the health of families and communities for future generations. Our public health infrastructure plays a critical role in providing the essential research, data, and guidance that maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists need to deliver optimal perinatal care and improve health outcomes for their patients.
“Research is a key driver for innovation and the evidence-based practice of maternal-fetal medicine (MFM). Discontinuing federal research funding stops ongoing studies, compromises data, and ultimately hurts patient health outcomes.
“SMFM continues to advocate for a continued prioritization and investment in pregnancy research to improve maternal and infant health.”
# # #
About SMFM
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), founded in 1977, is the medical professional society for obstetricians who have additional training in high-risk, complicated pregnancies. SMFM represents more than 6,500 members who care for high-risk pregnant people and provides education, promotes research, and engages in advocacy to reduce disparities and optimize the health of high-risk pregnant people and their families. SMFM and its members are dedicated to optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes and assuring medically appropriate treatment options are available to all patients.
Media Contact:
Greg Phillips
Press@smfm.og