WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) to introduce the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act. The legislation would provide critical support to women during typically challenging phases of motherhood – including prenatal, postpartum and early childhood development – and bolster access to resources and assistance to help mothers and their children thrive.
“Parenthood is a blessing, and it’s critical that women have the support they need during this crucial time. Our legislation would expand access for moms looking for resources and services in their area. I’m proud to be pro-life, pro-mother and pro-family,” Grassley said.
Additional cosponsors include Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.).
Background:
In 2023, the number of U.S. births hit the lowest rate since 1979, and the total fertility rate in America hit an all-time low. Last year, fertility and birth rates remained near record-lows, reflecting a continued trend in the United States.
The MOMS Act would establish a website with resources for expecting and postpartum moms, as well as those with young children. The bill would also increase access to adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers and other relevant resources available near the mother’s location. These include health and well-being services, material and legal support and financial assistance.
The bill would improve access to pre- and postnatal resources by establishing a grant program for nonprofit entities to support, encourage and assist women in carrying their pregnancies to term and in caring for their babies after birth.
It would also support moms in rural and medically underserved areas by helping organizations purchase necessary medical equipment and technology to support prenatal and postnatal telehealth appointments.
This legislation is endorsed by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Americans United for Life, March for Life Action, the National Right to Life Committee, Students for Life Action, Concerned Women of America, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and the Human Coalition.
The full text of the bill can be found HERE.
A section-by-section of the bill can be found HERE.
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