SE Kansas News

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) has collaborated with 18 other senators to introduce the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act. The legislation aims to provide essential support for women during prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood development stages. It seeks to enhance access to resources that assist mothers and their children.

According to provisional data from the CDC, the U.S. recorded its lowest number of births since 1979 in 2023, with fertility rates reaching an all-time low. This trend continued last year, indicating a persistent concern in the country.

Senator Moran was joined by Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in introducing this bill.

"Strong families are the bedrock of America and healthy mothers are central to healthy, thriving families," said Sen. Moran. "The MOMS Act streamlines access to life-giving resources that empower moms, protect children and help families thrive. This legislation invests in mothers and their children and demonstrates that Congress is committed to supporting them."

The MOMS Act proposes establishing a resource website, Pregnancy.gov, for expecting and postpartum mothers as well as those with young children. The website will offer information on adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, and other public and private resources available near women's zip codes. Resources will include health services, financial assistance, material support, and legal aid. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services would maintain a national list of federal funding opportunities for non-profit organizations and healthcare entities supporting pregnancy.

The act also includes a grant program for non-profit organizations aimed at encouraging women to carry pregnancies to term and care for their newborns post-birth. Furthermore, it plans a grant initiative for acquiring medical equipment in rural or underserved areas to facilitate prenatal and postnatal telehealth appointments.

This legislative effort has received endorsements from 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.