MESQUITE – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act, which would provide critical support to women during typically challenging phases of motherhood – prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood development – and bolster access to resources and assistance for mothers and their children:

“Expectant and new mothers deserve the support and resources necessary to have healthy pregnancies and raise their families,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would help mothers navigate the challenges of pregnancy, postpartum, and the first years of their children’s lives and strengthen families across the country.”

“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,” said Sen. Britt. “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.”

Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Thune (R-SD), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) cosponsored this legislation.

Background:

The More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act would:

• Establish Pregnancy.gov, a federal clearinghouse of resources available to expecting and postpartum moms, as well as those with young children;
  • Would increase access to adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, and other relevant public and private resources available to pregnant women within their zip code and surrounding areas;
  • And as part of Pregnancy.gov, would require HHS to include and maintain a national list of federal funding opportunities available to nonprofit and health care entities for pregnancy support.
• Establish a grant program for non-profit entities to support, encourage, and assist women in carrying their pregnancies to term and to care for their babies after birth;
• Provide tools for prenatal and postnatal telehealth appointments by instituting a grant program to purchase necessary medical equipment and technology in rural areas and other medically underserved areas;
• And require states to apply child support obligations to the time period during pregnancy, if so requested by the mother.

The MOMS Act is endorsed by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Americans United for Life, March for Life Action, the National Right to Life Committee, and the Family Policy Alliance.