Washington, D.C. - Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) yesterday introduced the House version of the Reach Every Mother and Child Act, bipartisan legislation to improve the United States’ assistance efforts to end preventable deaths of young children, newborns, and mothers in the developing world by 2030 alongside Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53). Joining Congressman Fitzpatrick and Congresswoman Jacobs as co-leads are Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA-37), Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA-39), Congresswoman María Salazar (R-FL-27), and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN-04). The Reach Act has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE).

“The United States has the opportunity to make a considerable contribution to ending preventable deaths of children, newborns, and new mothers worldwide,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. “There are tools and resources that can be used across the globe to keep these deaths from ever happening. This bipartisan legislation will develop strategies for implementing transparent, accountable, and life-saving practices, and I am proud to introduce this crucial legislation.”

“Infant mortality and maternal mortality in the developing world remains a major problem, but it is a problem we can solve. The Reach Act sets a moral marker and a benchmark to strive for: ending preventable deaths. This bipartisan legislation ensures that we prioritize maternal and children’s health in our foreign aid programs and enact needed reforms to maximize their impact. I am proud to introduce the Reach Act in the House and to work with our Senate partners on this important legislation,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. 

The Reach Every Mother and Child Act has been endorsed by Action Against Hunger, American Academy of Pediatrics, Helen Keller International, PATH, RESULTS, Save the Children, UNICEF USA, and World Vision. 

The Reach Every Mother and Child Act:

• Requires a coordinated U.S. government strategy for contributing to ending maternal and child deaths
• Establishes rigorous reporting requirements to improve transparency, accountability, and oversight of child health and maternal programs
• Ensures USAID focuses on the scale up of evidence-based, highest-impact interventions 
• Establishes the position of Child and Maternal Survival Coordinator at USAID to ensure that resources are being used as efficiently as possible
• Helps USAID implement innovative financing tools, such as pay for success contracting to leverage additional public and private resources, complementing existing U.S. assistance 

“As communities globally respond to the far-reaching consequences of COVID-19, the U.S. can and must do more to stand behind them. The Reach Act is a powerful example of the kind of support and impact needed, and the role the U.S. can and must play in ending preventable maternal and child deaths. We’re especially grateful to the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Jacobs, Fitzpatrick, Kim, McCollum and Salazar in pushing for Congress to do its part in making sure every mother and child is reached with the quality health services that are their right.” – Dr. Joanne Carter, Executive Director, RESULTS. 

“Pediatrician advocacy extends far beyond our country’s borders. Children everywhere should have the opportunity to survive and thrive, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports the Reach Every Mother and Child Act. This legislation would make important and much needed progress to end preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths and support life-saving interventions that help reach that goal. The Academy thanks Congresswoman Jacobs and Congressman Fitzpatrick for their leadership and is calling on Congress to advance the legislation without delay.” – Moira Szilagyi, MD, PhD, FAAP, President, American Academy of Pediatrics

“As the 10th anniversary of the Child Survival Call to Action approaches, urgent leadership is needed to get countries back on track to improve women and children's health around the world especially in the light of COVID-19. The Reach Every Mother and Child Act gets us one step closer.” – Smita Baruah, Associate Vice President, Government Relations, Save the Children

“Now more than ever it is imperative that we prioritize reaching the most vulnerable as the world faces challenges with increasing hunger and famine threats, conflict and growing inequality. Less than a quarter of the world’s acutely malnourished children have access to treatment, and millions of mothers and newborns lack access to quality care. The Reach Every Mother and Child Act would help change that, save lives and ensure the highest impact. We are grateful for the leadership of Reps. Sara Jacobs, Brian Fitzpatrick, Karen Bass, Young Kim, Betty McCollum and Maria Salazar and encourage every Member of Congress to support this important legislation.” – Charles Owubah, PhD, CEO, Action Against Hunger

“While great progress has been made over the last three decades, the pandemic has disrupted essential services and many communities have lost access to life saving care. To end preventable child and maternal deaths globally, we need stronger US global health strategies to support the important work of our partner countries. We commend Congress for putting this critical issue back on the agenda.” – Heather Ignatius, Interim Deputy Chief of External Affairs, PATH

"World Vision appreciates the leadership of Representatives Jacobs, Fitzpatrick and Bass in reintroducing the Reach Every Mother and Child Act in the House. Even as we look back on tremendous progress since the first launch of "A Call to Action" 10 years ago, we know that U.S. leadership in ending preventable child and maternal deaths is needed now more than ever. We urge Congress to pass the Reach Act and affirm the critical role the United States plays in saving the lives of the most vulnerable around the world." – Lisa Bos, Senior Director of Government Relations, World Vision

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