The bill H. 3112 proposes the establishment of a Maternal Mortality Study Committee in South Carolina to investigate the maternal mortality rates among non-Hispanic Black women and how these rates compare to those of other women. The committee will examine various factors contributing to maternal mortality, including perinatal care data by race or ethnicity, and will explore methods to improve outcomes for non-Hispanic Black women. The committee is tasked with preparing a report that addresses these issues and makes recommendations for legislative or policy changes aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates and disparities.
The committee will consist of thirteen members, including healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and public health experts, all appointed by various legislative leaders and health organizations. Members will serve without compensation, and the committee is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2026, after which it will be dissolved. The bill emphasizes the urgent need to address the high maternal mortality rates in South Carolina, particularly among non-Hispanic Black women, and aims to provide a structured approach to understanding and mitigating these disparities.