3 US bishops applaud House for supporting pregnant women
Recent legislative actions in the U.S. House of Representatives are drawing attention for their potential impact on support for pregnant women and new mothers. Two bills – the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act and the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act – have passed the House and are now under consideration by the Senate. These measures aim to expand resources and protections for women facing pregnancy, particularly those pursuing higher education or in need of financial assistance.
Legislative Action in the House
On January 22, the House of Representatives passed the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act with a vote of 217-211. This legislation, introduced in December by Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, focuses on ensuring that colleges and universities receiving federal student aid provide clear information to students regarding available resources for continuing their education while pregnant or parenting. The required information includes details on campus and community support, accommodations, and procedures for filing discrimination complaints.
The following day, January 21, the House passed the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act by a vote of 215-209. Introduced by Rep. Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn., this act would allow states to utilize Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support pregnancy centers. These centers offer services such as pregnancy testing, education, counseling, and material assistance like diapers and baby clothes.
USCCB Response and Concerns
Three chairmen of committees within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) – Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville, Kentucky, Bishop David M. O’Connell of Trenton, New Jersey, and Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio – have jointly applauded the passage of both bills. They chair the committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Catholic Education, and Pro-Life Activities, respectively.
Bishops O’Connell and Thomas previously communicated their support for the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act in a January 22 letter to Congress, expressing concern that societal and institutional attitudes can sometimes present pregnancy as an insurmountable obstacle to a woman’s future. They wrote that this can lead to pressure to consider abortion, and that many students are unaware of the support available to them.
What Happens Next?
The USCCB announced that the Senate is expected to vote on its version of the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act in the coming week. If passed by the Senate, the bill would then proceed to the President for potential enactment into law. The fate of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act in the Senate remains to be seen, and its progression will depend on Senate debate and voting schedules. A possible next step could involve committee hearings and amendments before a full Senate vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act require of colleges and universities?
The act requires colleges and universities that participate in federal student aid programs to provide information on rights and resources for carrying a baby to term while enrolled, including a list of community and campus resources, accommodations, and information on filing a discrimination complaint.
What types of services do pregnancy centers offer, according to the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act?
Pregnancy centers offer services such as pregnancy testing, prenatal and pregnancy education, counseling, diapers, baby clothes, and other material resources.
Who are the bishops supporting these bills?
Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville, Kentucky, Bishop David M. O’Connell of Trenton, New Jersey, and Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, are chairing the USCCB committees and supporting these bills.
As these bills move through the legislative process, how might increased access to resources impact the choices and outcomes for pregnant and parenting students?