WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., joined Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Representatives Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., and Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral effort to address the syphilis epidemic and ensure that mothers, pregnant women, and infants are as healthy as possible. 

The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act 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 CDC reported that in Mississippi, infant hospitalization with congenital syphilis spiked by 1,000 percent, from 10 cases in 2016 to 110 cases in 2022.

“The syphilis epidemic has impacted many Mississippians, and I am working to protect mothers and children from this disease,” said Senator 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 Senator 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.”

"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 Representative 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."

"We must do everything we can to protect mothers and their infants," said Representative 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."  

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

Full text of the resolution can be found here.