This legislation, titled the "Unborn Child Support Act," seeks to significantly expand the scope of the federal child support enforcement program by including unborn children . It amends the Social Security Act to require states to establish and enforce child support obligations for the biological father of an unborn child to the mother, provided the mother requests such payments. Key provisions dictate that these obligations may begin from the first month of conception , if requested by the mother, and payments can be collected retroactively. The bill specifies that paternity establishment for an unborn child requires the mother's consent and must not pose any risk of harm to the unborn child. Furthermore, the legislation defines an "unborn child" as a member of the species homo sapiens at any stage of development carried in the womb. It also restricts the Secretary of Health and Human Services from granting waivers that would allow states to opt out of these new requirements for establishing and enforcing child support for unborn children, ensuring uniform implementation across states. The amendments are set to take effect two years after the bill's enactment.
Separation, divorce, custody, supportState and local government operations
Unborn Child Support Act
USA119th CongressHR-1104| House
| Updated: 2/6/2025
This legislation, titled the "Unborn Child Support Act," seeks to significantly expand the scope of the federal child support enforcement program by including unborn children . It amends the Social Security Act to require states to establish and enforce child support obligations for the biological father of an unborn child to the mother, provided the mother requests such payments. Key provisions dictate that these obligations may begin from the first month of conception , if requested by the mother, and payments can be collected retroactively. The bill specifies that paternity establishment for an unborn child requires the mother's consent and must not pose any risk of harm to the unborn child. Furthermore, the legislation defines an "unborn child" as a member of the species homo sapiens at any stage of development carried in the womb. It also restricts the Secretary of Health and Human Services from granting waivers that would allow states to opt out of these new requirements for establishing and enforcing child support for unborn children, ensuring uniform implementation across states. The amendments are set to take effect two years after the bill's enactment.