3 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Jan 21, 2026)

Technical corrections only. The diff between v2 and v3 primarily reflects the procedural update of the bill's status, including the addition of the House Clerk's name in the attestation. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the bill.

H.R. 6945119th CongressIntroduced Jan 6, 2026

Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act

Passed HouseFamiliesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7]
Committees: Finance Committee (primary)
Last action: Jan 26, 2026

Bottom line

This bill explicitly affirms states' authority to direct federal TANF funds towards organizations that provide support services to pregnant women and new parents, often with a pro-life mission.

What it actually does

This bill amends the Social Security Act to explicitly clarify that states are permitted to use federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grants to support 'pregnancy centers.' It defines these centers as organizations that support protecting the life of the mother and the unborn child, and offer various resources such as counseling, education, pregnancy testing, and material supports like diapers and baby clothes to families.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this bill removes unnecessary ambiguity, empowering states to direct federal funds to organizations that provide vital support, education, and material resources to pregnant women and new families. They contend that these centers offer crucial alternatives and assistance, promoting positive outcomes for mothers and children, and that the bill ensures flexibility for states to address local needs.

Opponents contend

Opponents may argue that this bill could divert TANF funds from other critical welfare programs, potentially supporting organizations that do not provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare information or services. They might express concerns about the ideological nature of some pregnancy centers and whether public funds should support organizations with a specific viewpoint on abortion.

The bill text is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for a thorough evaluation of its implications.

Section 2, amending Section 404 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 604)

Clarification of State Authority to Fund Pregnancy Centers with TANF Grants

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision adds a new subsection to the Social Security Act, explicitly stating that states are not prohibited from using federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grants to support 'pregnancy centers.' It defines these centers as organizations that advocate for the protection of both mother and unborn child, while offering a range of services like relationship counseling, prenatal and pregnancy education, pregnancy testing, and material support such as diapers and baby clothes to mothers, fathers, and families.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupState governments administering TANF programsImpactClarifies and affirms their discretion to allocate funds without federal prohibition.MechanismExplicit statutory language removing ambiguity.ScaleAffects all states receiving TANF grants.

GroupPregnancy centersImpactPotentially increased access to federal funding via state TANF programs, depending on state decisions.MechanismStates can now confidently direct TANF funds to these centers.ScaleVaries by state and the number of centers seeking funding.

GroupPregnant women and new families seeking support servicesImpactMay have more access to services offered by pregnancy centers, depending on state funding decisions and reallocation of funds.MechanismIndirectly through state funding choices and the expansion or stability of pregnancy center services.ScaleVaries by state and individual needs.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision ensures that states have the flexibility to fund organizations that provide essential support to pregnant women and new parents, promoting family well-being and offering alternatives to abortion. They believe it removes legal ambiguity that might have deterred states from utilizing these centers effectively.

Critics contend

Critics contend that this provision could lead to the diversion of TANF funds from other critical poverty alleviation programs and may funnel money to organizations that do not offer comprehensive, unbiased reproductive health information, potentially limiting options for pregnant individuals.

Tradeoffs

The bill balances state autonomy in allocating welfare funds with concerns about the types of services and ideological stances of organizations receiving public money. It also highlights the tension between supporting pregnancy and parenting through specific types of centers versus broader reproductive health services.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.