Us Congress House Bill HB8801

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/21/24
• Refer: 6/21/24

Caption

MOMS Act More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed Act

Impact

The legislation's central focus is on improving access to prenatal and postnatal resources, particularly in underserved areas. It includes provisions for telehealth services to facilitate better maternal healthcare in rural and low-resource regions. By enabling federal grants for these programs, the act is designed to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, providing essential support to both mothers and their children. Furthermore, the bill aims to implement child support measures for unborn children, allowing for enforcement of financial obligations from biological fathers as early as conception, which could have significant implications on family law and child welfare systems.

Summary

House Bill 8801, known as the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed Act (MOMS Act), aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance support for mothers before, during, and after childbirth. The bill establishes a federal clearinghouse of resources for expecting mothers that includes a dedicated website, Pregnancy.gov. This platform is intended to provide valuable information regarding prenatal and postnatal care, available funding opportunities, and child placement agencies. Additionally, this website will also maintain lists of services aimed at assisting mothers with various needs such as medical care, nutritional services, housing assistance, and employment help.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes controversial restrictions on who can receive grants. Organizations that perform or promote abortions are ineligible for funding, which has sparked legal and ethical debates. Critics argue that this provision may limit access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services for women, effectively pushing them toward facilities that abide by these restrictions. Supporters contend that the bill prioritizes the interests of unborn children and promotes alternatives to abortion, arguing that it offers necessary support for mothers who choose to carry their pregnancies to term.