Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2363

Introduced
2/7/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to a father's obligation for payment of expenses including those related to a mother's pregnancy and the birth of a child born out of wedlock.(Formerly HF 2103.)

Impact

The passage of HF2363 will have significant implications for family law in Iowa. It clarifies the financial obligations of fathers, particularly with regard to medical expenses incurred during the pregnancy and childbirth. The bill establishes a framework for courts to determine these obligations, taking into account each parent's net income to ensure fair distribution of costs. This legislative change is designed to provide better support for mothers and their newborns and aligns with existing child support guidelines. Hence, the law aims to alleviate some financial burdens from mothers, fostering a more equitable parental responsibility system.

Summary

House File 2363 addresses the financial responsibilities of fathers regarding expenses associated with a mother's pregnancy and the birth of a child born out of wedlock. The bill specifically amends Iowa Code Chapter 600B, which pertains to paternity and the obligation for parental support. Under this bill, fathers are mandated to cover necessary expenses for the mother's pregnancy as well as medical costs arising from the birth of the child. This legislative move aims to ensure that fathers contribute financially to the childbirth process, promoting shared responsibility for costs associated with unplanned pregnancies.

Contention

While supporters of HF2363 argue that it promotes fairness by ensuring that fathers are accountable for their contributions towards pregnancy and childbirth-related expenses, there may also be points of contention. Critics might raise concerns regarding the implications for fathers who may struggle financially and how the new stipulations might affect their ability to comply with such requirements. Additionally, discussions will likely arise regarding the broader impact of these obligations on family dynamics and support structures, especially in cases where paternity is contested or where there is a lack of cooperation from one of the parents.

Companion Bills

IA HF2103

Similar To A bill for an act relating to a father's obligation for payment of expenses including those related to a mother's pregnancy and the birth of a child born out of wedlock.(See HF 2363.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2103

A bill for an act relating to a father's obligation for payment of expenses including those related to a mother's pregnancy and the birth of a child born out of wedlock.(See HF 2363.)

IA HF511

A bill for an act relating to a father's obligation for payment of expenses including those related to a mother's pregnancy and the birth of a child born out of wedlock.

IA SF397

A bill for an act relating to paternity and the obligation of parents for support of children.

IA SF81

A bill for an act relating to paternity and the obligation of parents for support of children.

IA HSB505

A bill for an act relating to replacement of the term visitation with the term parenting time relative to time awarded to a parent.(See HF 2102.)

IA HF2102

A bill for an act relating to replacement of the term visitation with the term parenting time relative to time awarded to a parent.(Formerly HSB 505.)

IA HB288

Recognize obligation of fatherhood and provide for child support during pregnancy

IA HF216

A bill for an act relating to paternity in certain actions before the juvenile court. (Formerly HSB 5.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SB0928

Family law: paternity; medical expenses related to birth of a child born out of wedlock paid by Medicaid; modify. Amends sec. 2 of 1956 PA 205 (MCL 722.712).

IA SF147

A bill for an act relating to paternity in certain actions before the juvenile court.(Formerly SSB 1003.)

Similar Bills

CA AB1937

Medi-Cal: out-of-pocket pregnancy costs.

CA AB2490

Reproductive Health Emergency Preparedness Program.

CA AB2901

School and community college employees: paid disability and parental leave.

KS HB2789

Establishing the pregnancy compassion program to provide resources and promote childbirth to women facing unplanned pregnancies, establishing the pregnancy compassion awareness program to promote public awareness of available resources; appropriating $4,000,000 per year from the state general fund toward such program and establishing a fee on the In God We Trust and the choose life license plates and using such fees to provide additional revenue for such program.

AZ HB2216

Pregnancy centers; grant program

NJ A4094

Requires DOH to expand services provided under plan to improve perinatal mental health services and health insurers to cover costs of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening.

NJ S3131

Requires DOH to expand services provided under plan to improve perinatal mental health services and health insurers to cover costs of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening.

MI HB4652

Individual income tax: credit; credit for contributions to certain pregnancy resource centers; provide for. Amends 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.1 - 206.847) by adding sec. 259.