Summary#
This bill would add new programs and rules to help pregnant and postpartum women. It would create a federal website called "pregnancy.gov" that lists local and online resources, lets users find help by ZIP Code, and allows users to consent to follow-up contact. The bill would fund state systems that collect resources, keep a national list of licensed private child placement (adoption) agencies on the website, and post federal funding opportunities for pregnancy support centers.
The bill would create a grant program for nonprofit pregnancy support centers that provide information, referrals, and some direct services (medical referrals, food, housing help, education and job help, childcare, parenting education, substance abuse counseling, and adoption referrals). Eligible grantees must not provide, refer for, or financially support abortion services. The bill would also fund equipment and telehealth services to support at-home prenatal and postnatal care in rural, frontier, medically underserved, and Tribal areas.
The bill would change child support rules so a State plan must allow establishing and enforcing child support obligations on behalf of an "unborn child" if the mother requests it. The start date for those obligations may begin with the month of conception (if determined by a physician and if the mother requests). Paternity measures for an unborn child cannot be required without the mother's consent, and cannot be taken if they risk harm to the unborn child. The child support changes would take effect two years after enactment.
What it means for you#
- If you are pregnant or caring for young children, the new pregnancy.gov website would help you find local services and information in your ZIP Code and in multiple languages.
- Nonprofit pregnancy support centers could apply for federal grants to provide free services and referrals, but organizations that perform or support abortions would be ineligible for these grants.
- States would submit lists of licensed private child placement (adoption) agencies for a national public list on the website.
- Health providers or community groups serving rural, frontier, Tribal, and medically underserved areas could get equipment or support for at-home prenatal and postnatal telehealth visits.
- A mother could ask a court or State to set child support for the biological father on behalf of an unborn child, including for months before birth, subject to the bill's rules and a court's determination.
- The website must be published within one year of enactment. The child support changes take effect two years after enactment.
Expenses#
- The bill authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" to carry out the pregnancy.gov website for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
- The grants to nonprofit pregnancy support centers are authorized with "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
- Grants or cooperative agreements for prenatal and postnatal telehealth equipment are authorized with "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
- No specific dollar amounts or cost estimates are provided in the bill text.
Proponents' View#
- The bill describes its purpose as providing "more opportunities for mothers to succeed." It aims to make it easier for pregnant and postpartum women to find local services, get referrals, and receive support to carry pregnancies to term and care for infants.
- Supporters would note the website, state resource systems, grant programs, telehealth equipment, and national lists are designed to expand access to medical, social, and parenting services, especially in rural, underserved, and Tribal areas.
- The bill also includes reporting requirements to Congress on website use and on telehealth grants.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.