Over a Century of Leadership for Maternal and Child Health in the United States: An Updated History of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) is the only federal agency solely focused on improving the health and well-being of all of America’s mothers, children, and families. Founded in 1912 as the Children’s Bureau, the Bureau has evolved over 110 years in response to the changing needs of MCH populations and shifting legislative and administrative priorities. The Bureau’s role in promoting and protecting maternal and child health has grown, spurred by landmark legislation including the Sheppard-Towner Maternity and Infancy Care Act, Title V of the Social Security Act, and multiple programmatic authorizations. Emerging issues in the field—ranging from deficiencies in access and coverage for health care to the emergence of new infectious diseases—have resulted in additional roles and responsibilities for the Bureau; these include convening state and national partners, providing leadership on priority topics, developing guidelines for care, and implementing new programs. Throughout its history, the Bureau has partnered with other federal government agencies, states, communities, and families to improve outcomes for mothers, children, and families. Previous reports have documented the founding of the Children’s Bureau and the growth of federal legislation and programs through 1990. This updated history builds on those works and describes the multiple new programs and legislative authorities assigned to the Bureau since the Title V reforms of the 1980s, the Bureau’s response to emerging issues, and the contemporary structure and function of MCHB.