Department of Health and Human Services. (e) Consultation In developing each biennial plan under this section, the Secretary shall solicit input from organizations representing patients, health care providers, hospitals, other treatment facilities, public health departments and practitioners, and other entities, as appropriate. (f) Definitions In this section: (1) The term maternal mortality refers to maternal deaths that occur during, or within the 12 months following, pregnancy. (2) The term maternal morbidity refers to pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated complications that do not result in maternal death. (3) The term severe maternal morbidity includes unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant short- or long-term consequences to a woman’s health. .