Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) has introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to combat the reemergence of syphilis.
Although syphilis was nearly eradicated in the 1990s, cases have reemerged in recent years, with the Arizona Department of Health Services alone estimating a 244% increase in infections from 2018 to 2022.
More alarmingly, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that syphilis infection rates are at the highest levels since the 1950s. Left untreated, syphilis causes blindness, deafness, paralysis, heart and brain damage, while transmission during pregnancy induces miscarriage, infant death, and other lifelong medical problems.
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As a result, Rep. Ciscomani's Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidance to states for screening and treating syphilis through Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Indian Health Service (IHS).
"As rates of congenital syphilis continue to rise in Arizona's newborns, we must ensure that our mothers, families, and healthcare professionals have access to information, treatment, and solutions they need to address this highly preventable disease," said Rep. Ciscomani in his press release, adding, "Information saves lives and I am proud to co-lead the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act to promote and expand access to screenings and treatment for syphilis to ensure that mothers, pregnant women, and babies are as healthy as possible."
Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), the bill's cosponsor in the House, said, "We must do everything we can to protect mothers and their infants. Congenital Syphilis is treatable, and it is critical that HHS provides treatment, support, and education. I am proud to sign on to the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act so women and babies in New Mexico get the care and treatment they deserve."
Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) have introduced the Senate companion bill.
"The syphilis epidemic has impacted many Mississippians, and I am working to protect mothers and children from this disease," Sen. Wicker said, adding, "The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will expand access to life-saving screening and treatment for congenital syphilis."
Similarly, Sen. Heinrich stated, "We must do more to help stop the increase of babies born in New Mexico with congenital syphilis. My Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will help us improve screening and treatment to protect pregnant mothers and babies in New Mexico from this fully treatable condition."
