Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Katie Britt (R-AL) have introduced the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act, aimed at providing critical support to women during prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood development stages. The legislation seeks to enhance 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,” stated 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.”

The bill has garnered support from 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).

The MOMS Act proposes several key initiatives:

1. Establishing Pregnancy.gov, a federal clearinghouse for resources available to expecting, postpartum moms, as well as those with young children.

2. Increasing access to adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, and other relevant public and private resources within local areas.

3. Requiring HHS to maintain a national list of federal funding opportunities available for pregnancy support on Pregnancy.gov.

4. Creating a grant program for non-profit entities to support women in carrying pregnancies to term and caring for babies post-birth.

5. Providing tools for prenatal and postnatal telehealth appointments through grants for necessary medical equipment in rural or underserved areas.

6. Allowing states to apply child support obligations during pregnancy if requested by the mother.

The MOMS Act has received endorsements from 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.