The U.S. Senate recently passed a bill that focuses on improving maternal health in rural areas that lack internet access.

The ‘Data Mapping to Protect Moms Lives Act’ will target areas where there is a lack of access to broadband as well as high maternal mortality rates. The goal is to see where investment in programs such as Telehealth would have the greatest impact for expectant mothers looking for care at home.

Proponents of the measure note that the U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality rates of any developed nation and that action is required. The U.S. sees more than 50,000 pregnancies with severe complications each year.

The bill was originally introduced to the legislation in February 2021. It officially passed the House on December 6, 2022, and is now on its way to President Joe Biden for his signature.