Maintaining our Obligation to Moms who Serve Act
Upon enactment, Bill HB7087 would require the Secretary of Defense to set up this program within 180 days, with the objective of evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating perinatal mental health support into existing military healthcare services. The bill is expected to allocate funds amounting to $5 million annually from 2025 to 2029 for its implementation. This strategic funding aims to enhance current maternal health initiatives and create supportive environments for service members during pregnancy and after childbirth, thereby potentially reducing incidences of perinatal mental health conditions.
House Bill 7087, titled the 'Maintaining our Obligation to Moms who Serve Act' or 'MOMS Act', aims to establish a pilot program directed by the Secretary of Defense for evidence-based perinatal mental health prevention tailored for pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Forces and their beneficiaries. This bill signifies an important step towards addressing the mental health challenges faced by service members during a critical time in their lives, ultimately striving to improve military readiness and support the families of those who serve.
The bill specifies the formation of an advisory committee to assist the Department of Defense in executing the program while also addressing possible barriers to participation that pregnant and postpartum members may face, such as childcare issues and differences in rank. Stakeholders, including health care professionals and service organization representatives, will guide the approach to outreach and program implementation. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in the military context, although debates may arise regarding the adequacy of funding and resources necessary to support comprehensive mental health care.