Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8521
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-06T19:52:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
H.R. 8521 - Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act
Purpose
This bill aims to examine how intimate partner violence (such as domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and related issues like trauma or psychiatric disorders) increases risks of maternal morbidity (serious health conditions tied to pregnancy or childbirth) and maternal mortality (death during pregnancy or within one year after, including from suicide, homicide, or overdose). It seeks to fund innovative programs and provide guidance to improve health outcomes for affected pregnant and postpartum individuals.
Key Provisions
- Study by National Academy of Medicine (Sec. 2): The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must contract with the National Academy of Medicine (or similar entity) to research links between violence/trauma and maternal health risks, including suicide, homicide, substance use, poor birth outcomes, and social determinants of health (factors like violence that affect well-being). Focus on diverse groups: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Alaska Native, LGBTQIA2S+, and teen mothers.
- Grants for Innovative Approaches (Sec. 3): HHS awards grants to eligible entities (e.g., states, tribes, nonprofits, health centers, hospitals, universities) for programs like education campaigns and culturally relevant interventions. Priorities include pregnant/postpartum victims, bias training, tribal centers, and surveillance. Requires reports to Congress every 3 years on best practices. Authorizes $15 million annually for fiscal years 2027–2029.
- Guidance (Sec. 4): Within 2 years, HHS issues guidance to states, tribes, providers, and managed care on protocols for education, routine violence screenings, trauma-informed care (care sensitive to past trauma), and partnerships with community organizations.
- Definitions (Sec. 5): Clarifies terms like maternal morbidity (pregnancy-aggravated health issues with lasting effects), maternal mortality (pregnancy-related death within 1 year, including violence or mental health causes), and postpartum (12 months after birth).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces entirely new requirements: a dedicated study, grant program, and federal guidance focused on violence as a maternal health risk factor.
- No amendments to prior laws; builds on existing frameworks like the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and Social Security Act definitions.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: HHS (including HRSA, ACF, IHS, Mental Health/Substance Use), and VA must collaborate on study, grants, reports, and guidance—increasing administrative workload but providing tools for maternal health improvement.
- Citizens: Could reduce maternal health risks for violence victims, especially in underserved communities, through better screening, education, and support—potentially lowering morbidity/mortality rates.
- International Relations: None.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Pregnant/Postpartum Individuals: Especially victims of violence/trauma in diverse, underserved groups (e.g., Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, LGBTQIA2S+, teens).
- Health Providers: Hospitals, clinics, birth centers, FQHCs (community health centers serving low-income areas), and behavioral health clinics—must adopt new protocols.
- Community Organizations: Nonprofits, tribes, Tribal epidemiology centers addressing violence.
- Governments: States, tribes, territories eligible for grants and guidance.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Expands HHS authority without mandating private actions; grant priorities promote equity and cultural sensitivity, aligning with public health laws.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; supports equal protection via focus on disadvantaged groups.
- Political: Highlights violence as a maternal health crisis, emphasizing social determinants—may influence funding debates and bipartisan maternal health efforts (introduced with cross-party cosponsors).
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-04-27: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act — issued 2026-04-27 — PDF (9 pages)