Mariana Dale/KJZZ

Sen. Heather Carter.

Pregnant women and their babies face a host of health risks, from anxiety disorders in mothers to potentially fatal genetic disorders in newborns.

As we’ve seen maternal mortality rates rise in mothers and infants die of preventable diseases, health care and access to it are vitally important to new mothers and their children.

Now, two Republican lawmakers are championing a package of bills that tries to recognize that importance.

The sat down with one of them, Sen. Heather Carter (R-Phoenix), at the Capitol to learn more about why they say we need the "Taking Care of Arizona Moms and Babies" package of legislation.

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