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Committee moves bill to require preeclampsia screening after March of Dimes testimony
Summary
A1996 would require screening for preeclampsia among pregnant and postpartum patients. The March of Dimes urged passage, citing racial disparities in maternal mortality and evidence that low‑dose aspirin reduces preeclampsia and preterm birth risks.
Assembly Bill 1,996 (first reprint) was amended and reported by the Appropriations Committee after testimony from March of Dimes maternal‑health staff. Shakira Williams Lindsey, director of maternal and infant health at March of Dimes, told lawmakers the bill fills a gap by requiring screening when symptoms occur rather than relying on a prior diagnosis.
Lindsey said hypertensive disorders are among the top causes of preventable maternal death in the postpartum period and highlighted racial disparities in New Jersey, stating Black women are nearly seven times more likely to die from a pregnancy‑related cause. She described the organization’s campaign and pointed to research that low‑dose aspirin can reduce the risk of preeclampsia by about 15% and preterm birth by roughly 20% when used appropriately.
The committee recorded a roll call on a motion to amend and report the bill; the chair announced the bill was amended and reported out of committee. No further fiscal action or amendments were detailed on the record at this hearing.
