H.R.3743 - Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3743, the Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2025, aims to amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to better support women, infants, and children affected by substance use disorder. The bill focuses on updating language within the Act to reflect current terminology and practices related to substance use disorders, replacing terms like "drug abuse" with "substance use disorder". It also mandates the development and dissemination of nutrition education materials and outreach programs tailored to individuals impacted by substance use disorder, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum, and for infants with prenatal substance exposure.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would lead to updated resources and increased focus on nutrition education for WIC-eligible individuals affected by substance use disorders. This includes developing evidence-based materials and establishing a nutrition education clearinghouse. The changes aim to ensure that individuals receive accurate and unbiased information, potentially improving health outcomes for mothers and infants.
Potential Benefits
- Improved nutrition education for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders.
- Enhanced support for infants impacted by prenatal substance exposure and neonatal abstinence syndrome.
- Creation of a nutrition education clearinghouse for state agencies.
- Increased outreach to potentially eligible individuals impacted by substance use disorder.
- Alignment of terminology with current medical understanding of substance use disorders.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill's effectiveness depends on the quality and accessibility of the developed materials and outreach programs.
- The authorized appropriation of $1,000,000 may be insufficient to fully implement the Act's provisions.
- Potential for increased administrative burden on state agencies to implement the new requirements.
- The bill primarily focuses on nutrition and may not address the broader range of needs for individuals with substance use disorders.
- Success relies on effective collaboration between the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary overseeing the Child Nutrition Act.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It falls under Congress's power to legislate for the health and well-being of citizens, particularly vulnerable populations like pregnant women and infants. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).