Standing with Moms Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to disseminate information about pregnancy-related resources. Specifically, HHS must maintain a public website (life.gov) that lists such resources that are available through federal, state, and local governments and private entities. Additionally, HHS must maintain on its website a portal that provides a user, based on the user's responses to a series of questions, tailored information about pregnancy resources available in the user's zip code and risks related to abortion. HHS must develop a plan to conduct follow-up outreach to users of the portal (if the user consents to the outreach). States must recommend resources that meet criteria set by HHS for including through the portal. HHS may award grants to states to establish or support a system that aggregates resources to include on the portal. Further, the Health Resources and Services Administration must share information about life.gov and the portal through the Maternal Mental Health Hotline. HHS must also ensure that the life.gov website and hotline are available to families who speak languages other than English. The bill excludes from life.gov, the portal, and the hotline resources provided by entities that (1) perform, induce, refer for, or counsel in favor of abortions; or (2) financially support such entities. The bill also requires HHS to report on traffic to life.gov and the portal, gaps in services available to pregnant and postpartum individuals, and related matters.
The proposed bill suggests a significant shift in how resources for pregnant women are provided and accessed. With the establishment of life.gov, users can receive tailored information pertinent to their specific situation and location. This includes resources related to prenatal and postnatal healthcare, mental health assistance, financial support, and much more. Furthermore, the Act encourages states to contribute local resources meeting specific criteria, thereby fostering a more connected approach in addressing the needs of pregnant women across various jurisdictions.
SB76, known as the 'Standing with Moms Act of 2023', is a legislative measure aimed at enhancing access to resources for expecting mothers. The bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a comprehensive public website, life.gov, that would provide a curated list of federal, state, and local resources available to pregnant women. This website will serve as a centralized source for a variety of services including mental health counseling and pregnancy support, as well as information regarding alternatives to abortion and associated risks.
Notably, the bill explicitly excludes resources from entities deemed 'prohibited', specifically those that perform or promote abortions. This exclusion is likely to evoke contention among various stakeholders, including healthcare providers and advocates for women's reproductive rights. While proponents argue that focusing on alternatives to abortion enhances support for mothers and children, critics may view this approach as limiting essential healthcare options for women, potentially leading to debates over reproductive rights and state involvement in personal healthcare decisions.