This bill, titled the "Opportunities to Support Mothers and Deliver Children Act," amends the Social Security Act to establish a new grant program for demonstration projects. These projects are designed to provide education and training for eligible individuals to pursue career pathways in the fields of pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum care . The primary goal is to expand the workforce of professionals such as doulas and midwives, particularly for low-income individuals. Grants will be awarded by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Education, to various eligible entities including workforce development boards, states, tribes, higher education institutions, and non-profit organizations. A key requirement for these projects is that they must operate in states that recognize and provide payment for doula or midwife services under private or public health insurance plans. Applicants must also demonstrate experience working with low-income populations or partner with entities that do. Each demonstration project must run for at least three years, and the Secretary is mandated to conduct rigorous evaluations. These evaluations will identify successful strategies for creating and sustaining career pathways that offer accessible entry points, meet high standards for education and training, and provide increased wages and affordable benefits. The bill appropriates $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 to fund these initiatives, with an effective date of October 1, 2025.
Opportunities to Support Mothers and Deliver Children Act
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Health
Opportunities to Support Mothers and Deliver Children Act
USA119th CongressHR-5406| House
| Updated: 9/16/2025
This bill, titled the "Opportunities to Support Mothers and Deliver Children Act," amends the Social Security Act to establish a new grant program for demonstration projects. These projects are designed to provide education and training for eligible individuals to pursue career pathways in the fields of pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum care . The primary goal is to expand the workforce of professionals such as doulas and midwives, particularly for low-income individuals. Grants will be awarded by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Education, to various eligible entities including workforce development boards, states, tribes, higher education institutions, and non-profit organizations. A key requirement for these projects is that they must operate in states that recognize and provide payment for doula or midwife services under private or public health insurance plans. Applicants must also demonstrate experience working with low-income populations or partner with entities that do. Each demonstration project must run for at least three years, and the Secretary is mandated to conduct rigorous evaluations. These evaluations will identify successful strategies for creating and sustaining career pathways that offer accessible entry points, meet high standards for education and training, and provide increased wages and affordable benefits. The bill appropriates $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 to fund these initiatives, with an effective date of October 1, 2025.