A new bill from Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, would require states to make biological fathers cover at least half of pregnancy- and childbirth-related out-of-pocket medical costs, a move supporters say could ease financial burdens on expectant mothers.
The Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act would join other federal proposals aimed at improving maternal health.
The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act seeks to expand Medicaid, CHIP, and private insurance coverage for childbirth. And the HEALTH for MOM Act would promote coordinated care under Medicaid.
State-level initiatives also address maternal mental health and postpartum support, all aiming to improve access, lower costs, and provide better care for mothers.
Under Hinson’s bill, the expectant mother must first request payment before the father becomes legally bound to contribute. The bill explicitly excludes abortion costs, according to Fox News.
In announcing the legislation, Hinson said:
Rep. Hinson Backs Law Making Fathers Pay Half of Birth Costs
