Lankford, Britt Introduce MOMS Act to Help Build Culture of Life, Support Women, Strengthen Families

WASHINGTON, DC — Ahead of Mother’s Day this Sunday, US Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Katie Britt (R-AL), and colleagues introduced the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act. This legislation provides critical support to women during challenging phases of motherhood – prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood development – and bolsters access to resources and assistance to help mothers and their children thrive.

This comes at an important moment. In 2023, the number of US births reached their lowest since 1979, according to provisional CDC data, 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, concerning trend in America.

“As the dad of two daughters, I believe every woman deserves support as she prepares to welcome a child. The MOMS Act is a commonsense step to make sure moms, babies, and families get connected to the resources they need right in their local community. I’ll keep fighting to protect the unborn and to equip mothers with the support they need every step of the way,” said Lankford, co-chair of the Senate Values Action Team.

“The Republican Party is the party of life, the party of parents, and the party of families. At the heart of the MOMS Act is building a comprehensive culture of life to give moms, children, and families the support system they need to thrive and live their American Dream. As a mom myself, I don’t have to wonder what other moms are facing – I’m living it. I know firsthand that there is no greater blessing in life than our children and I also 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, and the MOMS Act is part of my continued commitment to fight on their behalf,” said Senator Britt.

Background

The MOMS Act would establish a website of resources—Pregnancy.gov—for expecting and postpartum moms, as well as those with young children. The purpose of the website is to increase access to adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, and other relevant public and private resources available to pregnant women near their zip code and surrounding areas. These resources include health and well-being services, financial assistance, and material and legal support. HHS would also be required to include and maintain a national list of federal funding opportunities available to non-profit and healthcare entities for pregnancy support.

This legislation would also improve access to pre- and post-natal resources by establishing two grant programs: one program for non-profit entities to support, encourage, and assist women in carrying their pregnancies to term and to careing for their babies after birth, and a second grant program to purchase necessary medical equipment and technology in rural areas and other medically underserved areas to support prenatal and post-natal telehealth appointments.

The MOMS Act also includes Senator Kevin Cramer’s (R-ND) Unborn Child Support Act, which allows states to apply child support obligations to the time period during pregnancy.

Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Justice (R-WV), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) have cosponsored the MOMS Act.

This legislation is also 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 viewed HERE. A section-by-section of the bill can be found HERE.

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