Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act of 2026

This bill seeks to significantly expand federal efforts to address clinical mental health complications following a pregnancy loss, encompassing miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. It directs the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to intensify and broaden its research activities into conditions like persistent complex bereavement disorder. This research will cover the causes of these conditions, develop improved screening and diagnostic techniques, and evaluate new treatments, including biological agents. A key provision requires the NIMH Director to conduct a national longitudinal study to determine the prevalence, symptoms, severity, and duration of mental health complications after pregnancy loss, with initial findings reported to Congress within three years. The bill authorizes $4,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to fund these research initiatives. Beyond research, the legislation expands existing grant programs under the Public Health Service Act to provide mental health services for individuals who have experienced a pregnancy loss. These grants will support projects for the delivery of mental health services, including screening, diagnosis, management, and various support services. Notably, the bill includes a provision that prohibits grant funds from going to entities that perform abortions , except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the pregnant individual.