Iowa House Bill HF2267

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the more options for maternal support program, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HF 2057.)

Impact

This legislation adjusts existing requirements for the administration of the MOMS program by allowing the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the option to administer the program directly through contracts with providers of pregnancy support services, rather than solely through a program administrator selected via a request for proposals process. Additionally, the bill retroactively applies to services dating back to July 1, 2022, thereby ensuring continuity in support for affected families since the original bill's enactment.

Summary

House File 2267, titled the More Options for Maternal Support Program (MOMS), aims to provide enhanced support for pregnant individuals through a network of nonprofit organizations. The bill seeks to promote healthy pregnancies and childbirth by offering a range of services including nutritional education, housing and employment assistance, adoption services, and postpartum support. It also aims to improve outcomes for both mothers and children through tailored support addressing individual needs and the stabilizing of family structures.

Contention

Notably, the bill emphasizes the delivery of nonmedical pregnancy support services that promote childbirth over abortion. This focus has sparked debate among various stakeholders, with advocates arguing that it provides critical resources for expectant mothers, while opponents raise concerns about the prioritization of anti-abortion sentiments in maternal healthcare support. The elimination of certain criteria for program contract publishing also raises questions about transparency and accountability in program administration.