This legislation, titled the "Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act," aims to address the significant impact of violence, trauma, and psychiatric disorders on maternal health outcomes. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to arrange for a comprehensive study, preferably with the National Academy of Medicine, to examine how factors like domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, reproductive coercion, and trauma contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality, including intimate partner homicide. The study will also investigate whether these factors increase the risk of suicide, substance use, and poor birth outcomes, particularly among diverse communities such as Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, LGBTQIA2S+ birthing persons, and adolescent mothers. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities for developing and implementing innovative approaches to improve maternal and child health outcomes for victims of these forms of violence and trauma. These grants will support initiatives like culturally relevant public and provider education campaigns, with priority given to programs addressing violence and mental health among pregnant and postpartum individuals, and those implementing cultural bias or anti-racism training. Eligible entities include state and local governments, Tribal organizations, non-profits, health centers, and universities, with $15 million authorized annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2029. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary to publish and disseminate guidance within two years to states, Tribes, and healthcare providers. This guidance will focus on developing protocols for universal education on healthy relationships, routine assessment of intimate partner violence and mental health conditions, and implementing trauma-informed care plans. It also emphasizes creating sustainable partnerships between healthcare providers and community-based organizations that address various forms of violence and trauma.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act
USA119th CongressHR-8521| House
| Updated: 4/27/2026
This legislation, titled the "Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act," aims to address the significant impact of violence, trauma, and psychiatric disorders on maternal health outcomes. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to arrange for a comprehensive study, preferably with the National Academy of Medicine, to examine how factors like domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, reproductive coercion, and trauma contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality, including intimate partner homicide. The study will also investigate whether these factors increase the risk of suicide, substance use, and poor birth outcomes, particularly among diverse communities such as Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, LGBTQIA2S+ birthing persons, and adolescent mothers. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities for developing and implementing innovative approaches to improve maternal and child health outcomes for victims of these forms of violence and trauma. These grants will support initiatives like culturally relevant public and provider education campaigns, with priority given to programs addressing violence and mental health among pregnant and postpartum individuals, and those implementing cultural bias or anti-racism training. Eligible entities include state and local governments, Tribal organizations, non-profits, health centers, and universities, with $15 million authorized annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2029. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary to publish and disseminate guidance within two years to states, Tribes, and healthcare providers. This guidance will focus on developing protocols for universal education on healthy relationships, routine assessment of intimate partner violence and mental health conditions, and implementing trauma-informed care plans. It also emphasizes creating sustainable partnerships between healthcare providers and community-based organizations that address various forms of violence and trauma.