Health Experts Warn that Cutting CDC Maternal Health Research is a Major Setback

Recent discussions surrounding federal health funding proposals have raised alarm among researchers and community health workers in Georgia and across the nation. A draft budget plan suggests significant cuts to federal support for maternal and infant mortality initiatives, including the elimination of key programs managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These proposed reductions threaten to undermine ongoing efforts to gather critical data, improve maternal health outcomes, and save lives.

Currently, the CDC hosts the Maternal Mortality Review Information Application (MMRIA), a vital database that collates data on pregnancy-related deaths across the United States. This system has been instrumental in enabling states like Georgia to track trends, identify preventable factors, and develop targeted interventions. However, the draft budget proposal indicates the removal of funding for MMRIA and the public health workers dedicated to investigating maternal deaths case-by-case, which would leave states to determine their own levels of investment.

Georgia has made notable progress in reducing maternal mortality rates, which had previously been among the highest nationally. The state's approach combined federal and state funding to enhance data collection and implement healthcare reforms. Researchers emphasize that the federal-state partnership significantly improved understanding of pregnancy-related deaths, and losing this support could set progress back by years.

Michael Kramer, director of the Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities at Mercer University School of Medicine, explained, "This partnership has dramatically advanced our understanding of maternal mortality. If this investment is cut, it would be a huge step backward for women's health care and maternal health across the country." He highlighted that the ability to prevent many deaths relies heavily on accurate data, autopsy reports, and case investigations—all of which depend on federal funding.

Georgia's Health Department and leaders like Governor Brian Kemp have driven initiatives to expand health coverage for new mothers, including piloting home health visits for low-income mothers and bolstering autopsy data collection. Former health advocates, such as Ky Lindberg, witnessed firsthand how data-informed policy changes, like extending Medicaid coverage postpartum, can significantly impact maternal health outcomes. She expressed concern that removing support for data systems would hinder the ability to implement effective strategies.

Despite assurances from some officials that Georgia could sustain progress independently, experts warn that disparities may widen if standardized data collection and federal collaboration cease. The CDC's efforts, including the enhanced MMRIA database launched in 2017, have helped elevate data quality nationally, making it an essential tool in tackling maternal mortality.

The proposed budget, circulating among federal health circles but not yet officially approved, entails a potential 44% cut in CDC’s base funding, adding to previous reductions. Federal officials did not respond to inquiries about the proposal.

State lawmakers like Georgia Rep. Sharon Cooper and Senator Sonya Halpern acknowledge the importance of maternal health initiatives but remain cautious about the implications of federal budget cuts. However, some politicians believe Georgia can independently manage maternal health programs, though experts argue this could compromise the quality and consistency of data.

In summary, the proposed federal cuts to CDC maternal health programs threaten vital data infrastructure and collaborative efforts that help reduce maternal mortality. Experts stress that continued investment is essential for progress and for safeguarding women's health in the United States.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-health-experts-axing-cdc-maternal.html