Advocates Urge More Broadband Data to Address Maternal Health

Broadband advocates welcomed a notice of inquiry about the FCC's implementation of the Data Mapping to Save Moms’ Lives Act (see 2310190056). "It’s no secret that the United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates of any developed nation," said Next Century Cites in reply comments posted Tuesday in docket 23-309. The group said additional data "intended to target indicators of maternal health" will allow the FCC to "increase the level of nuance in its broadband data." NCC suggested including proximity to healthcare facilities in addition to broadband information to "shed light on why certain areas have higher access to telehealth" and "target outreach efforts for telehealth programs." In addition, the FCC should include data compiled from the Health Resources and Services Administration's national maternal mental health hotline and other agencies' maternal health initiatives, the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance said.