Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9065
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-29: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T18:16:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act of 2026 (H.R. 9065)
Purpose
The legislation aims to expand federal research on clinical mental health complications, such as persistent complex bereavement disorder, that may occur after a pregnancy loss (including miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion). It also seeks to improve access to related mental health services through amendments to existing grant programs.
Key Provisions
- Research Expansion (Title I):
- Directs the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), under the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to intensify studies on causes, screening, diagnosis, and treatments for mental health issues following pregnancy loss.
- Requires coordination with other National Institutes of Health entities.
- Mandates programs covering basic research, improved diagnostics, new treatments, and education for professionals and the public.
- Establishes a national longitudinal study to assess prevalence, symptoms, severity, and duration of these conditions, with periodic reports to Congress starting three years after enactment.
- Funding Authorization (Section 102):
- Authorizes $4,500,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
- Subjects funds to existing limitations from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
- Service Delivery Amendments (Title II):
- Amends Section 317L-1 of the Public Health Service Act to extend maternal mental health grants to individuals who have experienced a pregnancy loss.
- Allows grant funds for new projects including screening, diagnosis, outpatient/home-based services, inpatient care, and support services like transportation and counseling.
- Permits subgrants to public or nonprofit entities with relevant experience, but excludes "prohibited entities" that perform or fund abortions (except in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening physical conditions).
- Includes terms such as limits on administrative costs (no more than 5%), requirements to supplement rather than replace other funds, and restrictions on charging individuals for services.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the scope of existing Public Health Service Act grants (originally focused on pregnant and postpartum women) to explicitly include pregnancy loss.
- Introduces a new subsection with detailed rules for service delivery projects, including eligibility restrictions on subgrant recipients based on abortion-related activities.
- Adds reporting and study requirements not previously present in this area of mental health research.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities and funding for the National Institutes of Health and Health and Human Services to conduct research and administer expanded grants.
- On Citizens: May improve availability of mental health screening and support for individuals and families affected by pregnancy loss, while directing services through approved providers.
- On International Relations: No direct provisions or anticipated effects outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals experiencing pregnancy loss and their families.
- Health care providers and community organizations delivering mental health services.
- The National Institute of Mental Health and related federal agencies.
- State, Tribal, and local governments, as well as nonprofit entities eligible for grants or subgrants.
- Entities involved in reproductive health services, due to eligibility restrictions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The prohibition on funding entities that perform or support abortions (with specific exceptions) creates eligibility criteria that tie federal grants to compliance with abortion-related restrictions.
- Includes repayment requirements for entities that violate certification terms regarding abortion services.
- The longitudinal study and reporting mandates introduce new federal oversight mechanisms for tracking mental health outcomes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-29: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-05-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-29 — PDF (10 pages)