Assembly committee advances bill requiring postpartum and pregnancy screening for preeclampsia

A state Assembly appropriations committee amended and reported Assembly Bill 1996 on May 15, 2025, a measure that would require hospitals, birthing centers and health care providers to screen pregnant and postpartum people for hypertensive disorders, including preeclampsia, when symptoms appear rather than relying on a prior diagnosis.

Supporters told the committee the change fills a gap that contributes to preventable maternal deaths. "Hypertensive disorders are among the top causes of preventable maternal death, especially in the postpartum period," said Shakira Williams Lindsey, director of maternal and infant health at March of Dimes. She testified the organization supports A1996 as part of its national campaign to raise awareness and expand use of low‑dose aspirin where clinically appropriate.

March of Dimes and other witnesses urged the committee to require clinical screening when symptoms occur, citing evidence that early detection and treatment reduce severe outcomes. Lindsey said research shows low‑dose aspirin can reduce the risk of preeclampsia by roughly 15% and preterm birth by about 20% when used in appropriate patients. She also cited a recent poll the organization commissioned showing about one in five families had never heard of preeclampsia.

Committee members asked no public questions of the witnesses during the hearing. After brief procedural remarks the committee took a roll call vote and the bill was amended and reported out of committee.

The legislation as discussed mandates symptom‑based screening; it does not itself prescribe specific screening tools or protocols. Witnesses said the measure is intended to promote clinical diligence and equity in identifying hypertensive complications in pregnancy and the postpartum period.

The committee did not set an implementation date in the hearing. The bill now advances in the legislative process with the committee's recommendation.