Senators Katie Britt, Marco Rubio, and Kevin Cramer introduce the MOMS Act

On Thursday, U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), and Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) announced that they are introducing the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act. This legislation would provide support to women during typically challenging phases of motherhood – prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood development. The legislation bolsters access to resources and assistance to help mothers and their children thrive.

The United States faces unprecedented demographic issues. The number of U.S. births in 2023 was the lowest since 1979, according to provisional CDC data, and the total fertility rate in America hit an all-time low last year.

"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," said 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."

Britt is the only Republican mom of school-aged children in the U.S. Senate.

"Being pro-life means being pro-mother," said Sen. Rubio. "We need to work towards passing legislation that helps mothers before, during, and after pregnancy."

"Being pro-life means valuing both mother and child," said Sen. Cramer. "The financial strain of pregnancy and raising a family is real. Our MOMS Act helps provide pregnant women with the resources they need at all stages of motherhood. I'm glad to join Senators Britt and Rubio in this effort to empower women and advance a culture of life."

Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota) have cosponsored the MOMS Act.

"As an OB/GYN who spent 25 years caring for thousands of mothers throughout their pregnancies, I know firsthand how important it is to provide the necessary support and care," said Sen. Marshall, who co-chairs the Senate Values Action Team. "The MOMs Act provides a one-stop-shop on everything women need to have a successful pregnancy and beyond. I am proud to stand beside Senator Britt in sponsoring this much-needed pro-mother legislation."

Sen. Daines is the founder and former chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus.

"Raising kids takes a village, and we should be doing everything we can to support new moms before and after they welcome a new baby," said Sen. Daines. "I'm glad to join Senator Britt in introducing this bill that will help both moms and their children thrive."

Senator Hyde-Smith is the chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus.

"The best thing about this legislation is that it is completely pro-moms and pro-babies. It would offer women the support they need to have a healthy pregnancy, no matter where they live in this great country," said Senator Hyde-Smith. "The MOMS Act is affirmation of the pro-life policies to which we recommitted after the Dobbs decision. I'm pleased to support it."

The MOMS Act would:

Establish Pregnancy.gov – a federal clearinghouse of resources available to expecting and postpartum moms, as well as those with young children.

This clearinghouse would increase access to adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, and other relevant public and private resources available to pregnant women within their zip code and surrounding areas.

As part of Pregnancy.gov, HHS would be required to include and maintain a national list of federal funding opportunities available to non-profit and healthcare entities for pregnancy support.

Improve access to pre- and post-natal resources.

This legislation 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 provide tools for pre-natal and post-natal telehealth appointments by instituting a grant program to purchase necessary medical equipment and technology in rural areas and other medically underserved areas.

Require states to apply child support obligations to the time period during pregnancy.

The MOMS Act is endorsed by 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.

Britt was elected to the Senate in 2022.