U.S. Senators Britt, Cramer, Schmitt Introduce MOMS Act to Support Mothers and Strengthen Families
Bill would provide critical services during pregnancy, early childhood to help mothers and children thrive
U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) are leading the introduction of the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act. The bill would provide critical support to women during some of the more challenging phases of motherhood, including prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood development. The bill also seeks to improve access to essential resources to help mothers and their children thrive.
The MOMS Act addresses a growing concern with falling birth rates in the United States. In 2023, the number of births in the U.S. dropped to its lowest level since 1979, with the national fertility rate reaching an all-time low, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The trend of declining fertility and birth rates continued into 2024, highlighting the urgency for measures that support family growth and stability.
Senators Britt, Cramer, and Schmitt have been joined by a sizable group of Republican colleagues in cosponsoring the MOMS Act. The list of supporters includes Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and several others.
The MOMS Act focuses on a commitment to creating a comprehensive culture of life, with a focus on supporting mothers and 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. 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.
Sen. Cramer emphasized the importance of empowering mothers. "Supporting moms throughout motherhood is essential to fostering a culture of life, and we want moms empowered and supported," he stated. "The MOMS Act will provide the resources they need, especially in the early stages of motherhood."
Sen. Schmitt, echoing the bill’s pro-family message, added, "Being pro-life and pro-family means not only valuing the life of the child but also ensuring that moms have the support they need throughout pregnancy and beyond."
The MOMS Act proposes several measures aimed at improving maternal and child health care, particularly in underserved areas. One such provision is the creation of a website, Pregnancy.gov, which would provide expecting and postpartum mothers with easy access to a variety of resources—adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, health services, financial assistance, legal supports d more—all tailored to the specific needs of mothers.
The legislation would establish grant programs to support nonprofit organizations that assist women in carrying pregnancies to term and caring for their newborns. The bill also includes a provision to enhance access to prenatal and postnatal telehealth services by funding the purchase of necessary medical equipment in rural and underserved regions.
The MOMS Act includes a notable addition from Senator Cramer—the Unborn Child Support Act—which would allow states to apply child support obligations during pregnancy, ensuring financial support for mothers even before the child is born.
The MOMS Act has garnered support from a range of pro-life and pro-family organizations, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Americans United for Life, March for Life Action, and the National Right to Life Committee.
One of the key challenges the MOMS Act would address is the lack of access to maternity care in certain regions of the United States. In Alabama, for example, more than one-third of counties are classified as "maternity care deserts," meaning they lack birthing facilities or maternity care providers. This issue is compounded by the State’s high maternal mortality rate, which stands at 38.6 deaths per 100,000 births—among the highest in the nation.
Senator Britt has made maternal health and family support a top priority during her tenure in office. "As a representative of Alabama, a state in dire need of strengthened support systems for moms, I am committed to addressing these gaps," she said.
Earlier this year, Senator Britt introduced bipartisan legislation to expand access to affordable child care. She has also led efforts to improve maternal care access in rural areas and protect in-vitro fertilization (IVF) services.
The MOMS Act is an essential step in ensuring that mothers across the country receive the support they need, whether they are expecting, caring for young children, or facing financial or medical challenges. As the bill moves forward, its proponents hope it will help establish a stronger, more supportive foundation for families across the nation.
For more information, the full text of the MOMS Act can be viewed HERE.
