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House Blocks Biden Administration From Restricting Support for Pregnant Women

January 19, 2024

Rep. Fischbach’s Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act would block a Biden Administration misguided rule targeting pregnancy resource centers 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6918, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act. Introduced by Rep. Michele Fischbach (MN-07), the bill blocks a provision in a proposed Biden Administration rule that could prohibit states from giving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to pregnancy resource centers. Pregnancy resource centers are an important alternative for expectant mothers that don’t offer abortion services and support the life of both the mother and unborn child, as well as provide critical supports – including resources like diapers, prenatal vitamins, transportation, and parenting classes. 

H.R. 6918 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 214-208 and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.  

In his remarks during debate on the legislation, Chairman Smith said, “The hypocrisy on the part of the Biden Administration could not be more clear. They claim to support a woman’s right to choose their own health care. While at the same time, the President is making it harder for moms to choose life for their unborn child so his Administration can funnel even more resources to organizations like Planned Parenthood.” 

“If this rule takes effect, pregnant women in America will have fewer health care options and less access to care.”

Click here to watch the Chairman’s remarks on the House Floor.

Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act

Introduced by Rep. Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), H.R. 6918 protects expectant women’s access to maternal care.

  • Prohibits HHS from imposing restrictions that would limit TANF funding for pregnancy centers. 
  • In 2019, 2,700 pregnancy centers across the country provided life-affirming services and material support to 2 million people including pregnant women, parents, couples, and families.
  • The Biden Administration suggests TANF should instead be steered toward programs that align with the business model of Planned Parenthood.
  • Pregnancy resource centers clearly meet TANF’s purposes by providing material support and services to women in need so that children can be cared for in their own home and by reducing dependence on government assistance.