TRENTON – In an effort to help provide greater awareness about preeclampsia and its potential effects on pregnant and formerly pregnant mothers, the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Renee Burgess requiring practitioners to inform patients about the benefits of screening in regard to what can be a serious condition.
“Preeclampsia poses a significant threat to both the mother’s and the baby’s health,” said Senator Burgess (D-Essex/Union). “By ensuring that healthcare providers are more proactive in screening for this dangerous condition, we can prevent complications during labor and delivery, as well as long-term health risks for both the mother and child.”
The bill, S-3047, would require caregivers to inform patients of screening benefits and provide information on preeclampsia. Upon receipt of the results of any evaluation conducted, the practitioner shall discuss the results with the person and, if the person has a positive evaluation for preeclampsia, develop an evidence-based treatment plan to minimize the person’s risk from preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can develop during pregnancy, causing high blood pressure and harmful levels of protein in the urine. Although it often disappears within six weeks after birth, it can lead to further complications, including low birth weight, early delivery, stroke, blood clots, and organ damage.
The bill was moved out of committee by a vote of 8-0.