(Washington, D.C.): Americans United for Life (AUL) commends the introduction of the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act, a bipartisan bill led by Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), as well as supported by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), which would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care. This groundbreaking proposal seeks to relieve the financial burden on families and ensure that cost is never a deciding factor in welcoming a child into the world.
As it stands, only 56% of Americans are adequately insured, meaning nearly half of the country is either underinsured, had a gap in coverage, or was completely without health insurance during the year. Women whose life events leave them without insurance should not be burdened by the economic hardship of growing their family.
John Mize, CEO of Americans United for Life:
“The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act is a powerful example of how we can come together, regardless of political affiliation, to support women and children. This bill is a major step toward a culture where families are empowered, not burdened, by their decision to welcome a child. This bipartisan bill prioritizes women and families, ensuring they receive the support they need to choose life without fear of crippling medical expense”
AUL has long advocated for policies that make parenthood more attainable and financially feasible. In 2023, AUL partnered with Democrats for Life to advance the idea of eliminating out-of-pocket costs for childbirth, turning a widely discussed concept into a workable policy. Now, with the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act, the vision of making birth free is one step closer to reality.
Kristen Day, Executive Director of Democrats for Life of America:
“Every parent deserves support — and every child a healthy start. The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act is a powerful reminder that compassion and care can bridge even the deepest divides, proving that bipartisan cooperation is still possible when we put families first.”
The bill has gained support from a broad and diverse coalition, including the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the American Hospital Association, the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, the March of Dimes, and various pro-life organizations.
“True pro-family policy meets mothers and babies at their point of need,” said Bradley Kehr, Government Affairs Director. “Supporting American families shouldn’t be a partisan issue. This bill is proof that when it comes to supporting maternal care, there is more that unites us than divides us.”
AUL urges lawmakers to swiftly advance the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act, reinforcing America’s commitment to empowering families, reducing financial barriers, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity for a healthy start in life.
For more information or to arrange an interview with AUL, contact Gavin Oxley at press@aul.org or 202-987-3321.
Since 1971, Americans United for Life (AUL) has advanced the human right to life in culture, law, and policy by equipping advocates and lawmakers with the facts and strategies that change hearts and minds and protect human life. The first national pro-life organization in the country, AUL is a nonprofit, public-interest law and policy organization with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.
