Crapo, Risch Join MOMS Act to Help Build Culture of Life, Support Women, Strengthen Families

Washington, D.C.--Ahead of Mother’s Day this Sunday, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) are co-sponsoring the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act, led by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Alaska), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) and Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri).  This legislation 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 to help mothers and their children thrive.

“As we approach Mother’s Day, we honor the women and mothers raising the next generation of children in America,” Crapo said.  “Their love and sacrifices for their families form some of the strongest bonds on Earth.  This act will empower moms throughout the United States with greater access to resources to assist them during pregnancy, childbirth and raising their families.”

“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,” Britt said.  “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.”

The bill comes at an important moment.  In 2023, the number of U.S. births was the 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.

U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Cornyn (R-Texas), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Roger Wicker (R-Missouri), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota) and Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) are also cosponsoring the MOMS Act.

The MOMS Act would establish a website of resources, Pregnancy.gov, for expecting and postpartum moms, as well as those with young children.  This aims 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 relevant resources include health and well-being services, financial assistance, and material and legal support.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 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.

The legislation would also improve access to pre- and post-natal resources.  The bill would 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.  It would also institute a grant program to purchase necessary medical equipment and technology in rural areas and other medically underserved areas to support pre-natal and post-natal telehealth appointments.

The MOMS Act also includes Senator Cramer’s Unborn Child Support Act to allow states to apply child support obligations to the time period during pregnancy.

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 viewed here. A section-by-section of the bill can be found here.

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