Sens. Scott, Luján Lead Efforts to Grow Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act, which ensures pregnant and postpartum women across the U.S. are able to access mental health and substance use disorder care.

“By extending and strengthening these essential programs, we are ensuring pregnant and postpartum women are receiving the support and care they need to navigate substance abuse use disorders and mental health challenges,” said Senator Scott. “I’m proud to lead legislation that helps to build a future where every mother and child can thrive.”

“I’m proud to reintroduce bipartisan legislation that strengthens resources for pregnant and postpartum women, supports families, and tackles health disparities in reproductive care,” said Senator Luján. “Substance use disorder continues to significantly impact New Mexico, and this legislation will help address the issue by reauthorizing funding to ensure that all communities have access to the necessary resources for preventing health complications and treating substance use disorders.”

The Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act would also reauthorize a South Carolina pilot program called Mom’s IMProving Access to Maternal Health and Substance Use Disorder Care Through Telemedicine and Telemonitoring (IMPACTT). Mom’s IMPACTT is part of an ongoing partnership between the Medical University of South Carolina and SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services.

Senators Scott and Luján were joined on the legislation by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

Read the full text of the Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act here.

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