Ciscomani Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Address the Syphilis Epidemic

The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act (H.R. 3866) would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidance to states on the best practices for screening and treatment of congenital syphilis under Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Indian Health Service (IHS).  

 

Syphilis is a highly treatable and preventable disease that was nearly eradicated in the 1990s. However, in recent years, we have seen an increase in syphilis cases, with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that infections are at the highest levels since the 1950s. The Arizona Department of Health Services reported that cases of congenital syphilis rose by 244% from 2018 to 2022. 

 

"As rates of congenital syphilis continue to rise in Arizona's newborns, we must ensure that our mothers, families, and healthcare professionals have access to information, treatment, and solutions they need to address this highly preventable disease," said Ciscomani. "Information saves lives and I am proud to co-lead the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act to promote and expand access to screenings and treatment for syphilis to ensure that mothers, pregnant women, and babies are as healthy as possible." 

 

Ciscomani is joined by Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM). Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced companion legislation. 

 

"We must do everything we can to protect mothers and their infants," said Stansbury. "Congenital Syphilis is treatable, and it is critical HHS provides treatment, support, and education. I am proud to sign on to the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act so women and babies in New Mexico get the care and treatment they deserve."   

 

“The syphilis epidemic has impacted many Mississippians, and I am working to protect mothers and children from this disease,” said Wicker. “The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will expand access to life-saving screening and treatment for congenital syphilis.” 

 

“We must do more to help stop the increase of babies born in New Mexico with congenital syphilis,” said Heinrich. “My Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will help us improve screening and treatment to protect pregnant mothers and babies in New Mexico from this fully treatable condition.” 

 

This legislation is supported by March of Dimes, the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), and Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health. 

 

David C. Harvey, Executive Director of the NCSD: "Congenital syphilis is a national public health crisis—and it's a crisis we can prevent. This bill ensures that every state has the tools and guidance needed to detect and treat syphilis in pregnancy. No woman or baby should suffer or die from a disease we have the power to stop."  

 

Karen Martinot, DNP, WHNP, Director of Programs & Clinical Administration, Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health: “Affirm is proud to support the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act. As the HHS OPA funded Title X Family Planning Grantee in the state of Arizona, our staff are keenly aware of the devastating consequences of undetected or undertreated syphilis on babies and families in Arizona. Affirm is committed to be part of solutions aimed to increase access to syphilis screening and timely treatment, educate health professionals and our communities, and decrease stigma around this vitally important health topic. Our babies are counting on us to reduce maternal and infant syphilis. We look forward to celebrating the passage of this bill 

 

Read the full bill here.