NCSD Endorses Congressional Bipartisan Maternal & Infant Syphilis Prevention Act

Legislation would support state and local health department syphilis prevention efforts through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2024
Contact: Elizabeth Finley, efinley@ncsddc.org, (919) 749-7309

Washington, DC – On Wednesday, Representatives Yadira Caraveo (D-CO) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) introduced the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act. The bipartisan bill would require HHS to issue guidance to states on best practices for screening pregnant patients for syphilis and providing treatment to prevent congenital syphilis under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. In November, the CDC released data showing a 32% increase in congenital syphilis cases in 2022 and a whopping ten-fold increase in the past decade.  David C. Harvey, Executive Director of NCSD, issued the following statement:

“I applaud U.S. House Representatives Caraveo (D-CO) and Ciscomani (R-OH) for introducing the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act.  Given the skyrocketing rates of congenital syphilis and the missed opportunities to prevent new cases, this bill—once passed — will help Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program in every state take targeted steps to ensure no maternal or congenital syphilis infection is missed.”

“Every case of congenital syphilis is an avoidable tragedy, but getting this nationwide epidemic under control requires bold, coordinated action. Already, we have seen some states start to turn the tide on syphilis by taking the actions outlined in this bill. Nationally, the bill would expand provider education efforts, standardize screening and treatment practices, and ultimately reduce missed opportunities to diagnose and treat maternal syphilis .”

“We urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation, which is the most significant authorizing legislative development in Congress on STI public health issues in over a decade.  NCSD thanks Reps. Caraveo and Ciscomani for their leadership on this issue.  We are deeply fortunate to have these two members of Congress join forces to lead on this critical public health emergency facing our nation’s children,” said David C. Harvey, Executive Director of NCSD.