Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 27, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to understand and address the impact of violence, trauma, and mental health issues on maternal health outcomes through research, grants for innovative programs, and guidance for healthcare providers.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to commission a study on the link between various forms of violence, trauma, and psychiatric disorders and maternal morbidity and mortality. It also authorizes $15 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2029 for grants to eligible entities to develop innovative approaches to improve maternal and child health outcomes for victims of these issues, and mandates guidance on protocols for healthcare providers.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is a crucial step to address the often-overlooked link between various forms of violence, trauma, and mental health conditions and the alarming rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly among diverse and vulnerable populations. They emphasize the need for evidence-based interventions and culturally competent care to protect birthing persons.
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 could duplicate existing efforts. Some might also raise concerns about the scope of 'psychiatric disorders' being included alongside violence, potentially over-federalizing mental health care.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for anyone to read and understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2
Study by National Academy of Medicine
This section mandates the Secretary of HHS to commission a study, ideally by the National Academy of Medicine, to investigate how domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, trauma, and psychiatric disorders affect maternal morbidity and mortality, including intimate partner homicide. The study must also examine how these factors increase risks like suicide, homicide, substance use, and poor birth outcomes, and their role as social determinants of health, with a specific focus on diverse communities.
Supporters argue
Supporters contend that a comprehensive study is essential to quantify the problem, identify specific risk factors, and develop targeted, evidence-based interventions, especially given the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against research provisions aimed at understanding public health issues, though some might argue about the scope or cost if it were significantly large.
Tradeoffs
Balancing the need for broad data collection with the privacy concerns of vulnerable populations; ensuring the study's findings are actionable and lead to concrete policy changes.
Section 3
Grants for Innovative Approaches to Improve Maternal and Child Health Outcomes
This section authorizes the Secretary of HHS to award grants to various eligible entities (states, tribes, non-profits, health centers, hospitals, etc.) to develop and implement innovative, culturally relevant approaches. These approaches aim to improve maternal and child health outcomes for victims of the specified forms of violence, trauma, and psychiatric disorders. The bill prioritizes applicants addressing these issues among pregnant persons, focusing on diverse communities, and facilitating shared learning. It also authorizes $15 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2029 for these grants.
Section 4
Guidance for Healthcare Providers and Entities
This section directs the Secretary of HHS to publish and disseminate guidance within two years to states, tribes, territories, healthcare providers, and managed care entities. This guidance 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 with trauma-informed care plans. It also includes guidance on creating sustainable partnerships between healthcare providers and community-based organizations addressing these issues.
The bill includes expanded definitions for 'maternal morbidity' and 'maternal mortality.' Specifically, '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, Definitions
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to ensure clarity and specificity for terms used throughout the bill, especially when they differ from common or narrower interpretations. It is not evasive.
Case for: Supporters would argue that these expanded definitions are crucial for accurately capturing the full scope of maternal deaths, particularly those related to mental health, substance use, and violence, which are often underreported or not traditionally categorized as maternal mortality. This ensures the study and grant programs address the true breadth of the problem.
Case against: No strong case against, as it clarifies the scope. Some might argue it broadens the scope of 'maternal mortality' beyond its traditional medical definition, potentially inflating statistics, but this is a weak argument given the intent to capture all pregnancy-related deaths.
Estimated impact: Significantly broadens the scope of what is considered 'maternal mortality' for the purposes of this Act's study and interventions, potentially leading to more comprehensive data and targeted programs.