Senator McConnell Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help Opioid-Addicted Mothers, Babies

Statement

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined together today to introduce the Protecting Moms and Infants Act (PMIA). This legislation builds upon their 2015 bill, the Protecting Our Infants Act (POIA), which was the first federal law to address prenatal opioid exposure.

The aim of the POIA was to develop a strategy to prevent prenatal exposure to opioids, treat infants born with opioid withdrawal, and improve the states' public health response to this growing problem. Specifically, it instructed the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a review of the agency's activities related to prenatal opioid abuse and treating infants born dependent on opioids; coordinate with stakeholders to develop recommendations for preventing and treating prenatal opioid exposure and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS); and present a comprehensive strategy to address gaps in research and programs. After subsequent legislation challenging the agencies to follow Congress' timeline, these recommendations were published in 2017.

With the groundwork laid by the passage of POIA, Senators McConnell and Casey today introduced the Protecting Moms and Infants Act, which requests the Secretary of HHS to provide Congress with a report on the implementation of the comprehensive strategies developed as required by POIA. This legislation also calls on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to work with stakeholders to develop educational materials on pain management for doctors and expecting mothers. It also authorizes an increase in funding for a competitive federal grant that assists organizations with addressing this particular challenge within the broader opioid crisis.

"The opioid epidemic cannot be solved by a single program or piece of legislation. But by building on our successful efforts, we can continue to make a real difference in the lives of its smallest victims," Senator McConnell said. "To address a complex issue like the opioid epidemic, it is critical that the federal government continues to collaborate with states, communities, and localities to find comprehensive solutions through prevention and treatment. I am proud to once again join with my colleague, Senator Bob Casey, to unveil this legislation which seeks to address prenatal opioid exposure and help the increasing number of vulnerable infants born dependent on opioids."

Senator McConnell has visited a number of substance abuse treatment facilities in Kentucky to hear solutions to combat the opioid epidemic from those on the front lines. In 2017, Senator McConnell visited Chrysalis House in Lexington, Kentucky, which has benefited from the competitive federal grant program. The grant they received last year is from the same program that would be increased under the Protecting Moms and Infants Act. Senator McConnell proudly supported the Chrysalis House's successful grant application, which allowed them to provide critical services to pregnant and postpartum women and their children. This funding has allowed Chrysalis House to offer treatment to low-income women who need it most. In 2016, Senator McConnell visited Volunteers of America Mid-States in Louisville to participate in a roundtable discussion on ideas to combat the opioid crisis in Kentucky. VOA Mid-States runs a residential addiction recovery program, Freedom House, for pregnant and parenting women.

"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell recognizes the particular services that Chrysalis House serves with women and families in their recovery, and we are grateful for his continued support and leadership," said Lisa Minton, Chrysalis House Executive Director. "Chrysalis House is Kentucky's largest licensed substance abuse treatment program for women, and through our recent grant award that the Senator helped us earn, we were able to secure certainty in our delivery of services to families in Kentucky. With the Protecting Moms and Infants Act to enhance the resources available through competitive grant opportunities, Chrysalis House and Senator McConnell are working to help break the cycle of addiction."

Volunteers of America Mid-States President and CEO, Jennifer Hancock, said, "Volunteers of America Mid-States strongly supports the Protecting Moms and Infants Act. I am grateful to Senator McConnell for his leadership in bringing attention and action to pregnant and parenting moms who are struggling to overcome addiction. Volunteers of America works every day to provide comprehensive care and treatment to moms and babies who are affected by the opioid and addiction crisis, and this bill will help us to serve, and heal, more families. I look forward to working on behalf of this legislation and partnering with Senator McConnell to help Kentucky, and our nation, beat this epidemic."

Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives.

"Too many Kentuckians have fallen victim to our nation's opioid crisis. I was proud to introduce legislation to help pregnant women experiencing opioid use disorder and their babies get the treatment they need to recover. I want to thank Leader McConnell and Senator Casey for introducing bipartisan companion legislation in the Senate. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both chambers to advance this legislation so we can help mothers and their babies," said Congressman Guthrie.

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