H.R.688 - Standing with Moms Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.688, the "Standing with Moms Act," aims to provide expecting mothers with comprehensive information and resources. It mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a user-friendly website (life.gov) and portal offering tailored information on pregnancy-related resources. These resources include mental health counseling, alternatives to abortion, abortion risks, and child development information.
The bill also includes provisions for follow-up outreach to users of the portal and a grant program for states to aggregate resources. Furthermore, it ensures the Maternal Mental Health Hotline disseminates information about the website and portal, and prohibits resources from entities that perform or counsel in favor of abortions.
Expected Effects
This bill, if enacted, would create a centralized online resource for pregnant women seeking information and support. It would likely increase awareness of available resources and services, particularly those related to alternatives to abortion. The bill could also influence women's decisions regarding pregnancy by providing information on abortion risks and promoting resources that support carrying a pregnancy to term.
The creation of the website and portal would require government funding and resources for development, maintenance, and outreach. The impact on abortion rates and women's health outcomes would depend on the effectiveness of the resources provided and the choices made by individual women.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a centralized and accessible source of information for pregnant women.
- Offers tailored resources based on individual needs and location.
- Includes information on mental health counseling and other support services.
- Promotes awareness of alternatives to abortion.
- Supports states in aggregating and coordinating pregnancy-related resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- May present a biased view by emphasizing alternatives to abortion and potential risks of abortion.
- Could be perceived as government interference in personal healthcare decisions.
- Requires significant government funding for website development and maintenance.
- May face challenges in ensuring the accuracy and comprehensiveness of resource listings.
- Could potentially exclude or marginalize certain perspectives on reproductive healthcare.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is complex. While it does not directly restrict abortion access, it could be argued that it promotes a particular viewpoint on pregnancy, potentially infringing on individual autonomy related to reproductive choices. This could raise concerns under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which protects individual liberty.
However, the government also has a legitimate interest in promoting childbirth and supporting families, which could justify the bill's provisions. The First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech could be relevant if the information provided is deemed to be biased or misleading. The bill's focus on providing information and resources, rather than directly prohibiting any actions, may strengthen its constitutional standing.
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).