In a pivotal moment for American families, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) have spearheaded the introduction of the groundbreaking "More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act."
This legislation aims to provide critical support to women during the crucial phases of motherhood – from prenatal care to postpartum recovery and early childhood development.
By bolstering access to essential resources and assistance, the MOMS Act seeks to empower mothers and their children, fostering a thriving culture of life and strengthening families across the nation.
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The MOMS Act comes at a time of profound demographic shifts in the United States. Provisional data from the CDC reveals that the number of U.S. births in 2023 was the lowest since 1979, while the total fertility rate hit an all-time low the previous year. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need to support women and families, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood.
A key component of the MOMS Act is the creation of Pregnancy.gov, a federal clearinghouse of resources available to expecting and postpartum mothers, as well as those with young children.
This comprehensive platform will increase access to adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, and other relevant public and private support services within each individual's local area.
Additionally, the legislation will require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to maintain a national list of federal funding opportunities available to non-profit and healthcare entities for pregnancy-related assistance.
“Supporting mothers is critical to defending life at all stages. This legislation will promote access to quality health care and financial support for women. As a mother and a grandmother, I know the joy and challenges of raising children, and I am pleased to support the MOMS Act,” said Senator Blackburn.
The MOMS Act also takes significant strides to enhance access to pre- and post-natal resources. It establishes a grant program for non-profit entities to support, encourage, and assist women in carrying their pregnancies to term, as well as to care for their babies after birth. Furthermore, the legislation provides tools for prenatal and postnatal telehealth appointments by instituting a grant program to purchase necessary medical equipment and technology in rural and medically underserved areas.
Another key provision of the MOMS Act is the requirement for states to apply child support obligations to the time period during pregnancy, if so requested by the mother. This measure aims to ensure that expectant mothers have the financial resources they need to support their families, even before the child is born.
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“As a mom, I know firsthand that there is no greater blessing in life than our children and understand the types of challenges that women face during their pregnancy journeys and while raising their kids. I’m proud to support women throughout these seasons of motherhood. This legislation is further evidence that you can absolutely be pro-life, pro-woman, and pro-family at the same time. The MOMS Act advances a comprehensive culture of life, grows and strengthens families, and ensures moms have the opportunities and resources needed so they and their children can thrive and live their American Dreams,” said Senator Britt, the only Republican mom of school-aged children in the U.S. Senate.
The MOMS Act has garnered broad bipartisan support, with several prominent Republican senators co-sponsoring the legislation, including Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), among others.
Additionally, the bill has been endorsed by a diverse coalition of pro-life and family-focused organizations, such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Americans United for Life, March for Life Action, the National Right to Life Committee, the Family Policy Alliance, Democrats for Life of America, and Students for Life Action.
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