The House Health Committee on June 14 reported to the full House legislation that would ensure proper data collection on maternal morbidity as lawmakers work to reduce the growing and alarming number of maternal deaths in the state.

Senate Bill 262 would add “severe maternal morbidity” to the list of reportable events within the Pennsylvania Department of Health. It mirrors legislation championed by state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Philadelphia, in the past two legislative sessions and is a key part of efforts by Cephas and Reps. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, and La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, to reduce Black maternal mortality and improve Black maternal health in Pennsylvania.