Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 27, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to understand and address the impact of violence, trauma, and mental health on maternal health outcomes through research, grants for innovative interventions, and updated guidance for healthcare providers.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to commission a study by the National Academy of Medicine on the link between various forms of violence, trauma, and psychiatric disorders and maternal morbidity and mortality. It also authorizes grants for innovative approaches to improve maternal and child health outcomes for victims of such violence and trauma, and mandates guidance for healthcare providers on related protocols and partnerships. The bill explicitly broadens the definitions of maternal morbidity and mortality to include mental health conditions, substance use disorders, suicide, drug overdose, and homicide.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill addresses a critical, often overlooked, aspect of maternal health by recognizing the profound impact of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and mental health issues on pregnant and postpartum individuals. They contend that a comprehensive study is essential to inform evidence-based interventions, and the grant program will enable culturally relevant approaches to protect vulnerable mothers and improve outcomes, particularly for diverse and marginalized communities.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is laudable, the bill's approach could lead to an expansion of federal programs and spending without clear metrics for success or a defined endpoint for the authorized appropriations. Some may also raise concerns about the scope of data collection or potential overreach into personal health matters, or question the effectiveness of broad grant programs versus more targeted interventions.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its provisions and implications within a short timeframe.
Section 2
Study by National Academy of Medicine
This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to arrange for the National Academy of Medicine (or another appropriate entity) to conduct a study. The study will examine how domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, reproductive coercion, intergenerational violence, trauma, or psychiatric disorders increase the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality, including intimate partner homicide. It specifically focuses on impacts among diverse communities and adolescent mothers, and whether these factors are social determinants of health.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this study is foundational, providing crucial evidence to understand the complex interplay between violence, trauma, and maternal health, which is currently under-researched. This data is essential for developing effective, targeted interventions.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against conducting studies to gather data, though some might question the scope or cost if not clearly justified, or suggest that existing data is sufficient for immediate action.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is between the immediate need for intervention and the time required for comprehensive research. While the study is vital for long-term solutions, its findings will not immediately address current crises.
Section 3
Grants for Innovative Approaches to Improve Maternal and Child Health Outcomes
This section authorizes the Secretary of HHS, through HRSA and in collaboration with other agencies, to award grants to eligible entities. These grants are for developing and implementing innovative approaches, including culturally relevant public and provider education campaigns, to improve maternal and child health outcomes for victims of various forms of violence, trauma, or psychiatric disorders. Eligible entities include states, tribal governments, non-profits, health centers, and institutions of higher education. Priority is given to applicants addressing specific issues like mental health and substance use among pregnant persons, and culturally competent strategies for diverse communities.
Section 4
Guidance on Healthy Relationships and Trauma-Informed Care
This section requires the Secretary of HHS to publish and disseminate guidance within two years of enactment. This guidance will be for states, Indian Tribes, territories, healthcare providers, and managed care entities. It will cover developing protocols for universal education on healthy relationships and intimate partner violence, routine assessment of violence and mental/behavioral health conditions, and health promotion strategies for trauma-informed care plans. It also mandates guidance on creating sustainable partnerships between healthcare providers and community-based organizations that address various forms of violence and trauma.
The bill provides expanded definitions for 'maternal morbidity' and 'maternal mortality'. Maternal morbidity explicitly includes mental health conditions or substance use disorders attributed to or aggravated by pregnancy/childbirth. Maternal mortality explicitly includes suicide, drug overdose death, and homicide (including domestic violence-related homicide) if attributed to or aggravated by pregnancy-related or childbirth complications.
Section 5(2) and (3)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for defining terms used throughout the bill. However, the expansive nature of these definitions is highly consequential for the scope and intent of the entire act.
Case for: Supporters argue that these expanded definitions are critical for accurately capturing the full scope of maternal health crises, moving beyond purely physiological causes to include mental health, substance use, and violence-related deaths. This broader understanding is essential for effective data collection, research, and intervention strategies.
Case against: No direct opposition is typically raised against comprehensive definitions, but some might argue that broadening the scope too much could dilute focus or make data collection and attribution more complex, potentially leading to less clear policy outcomes.
Estimated impact: This redefinition significantly broadens the scope of what is considered a maternal health issue, influencing data collection, research priorities, and the types of interventions funded or recommended under the bill.