H.R. 2892: Hospital Adoption Education Act of 2025

The Hospital Adoption Education Act of 2025 aims to improve understanding and awareness of adoption in the healthcare sector. The bill addresses several key components related to the adoption process, particularly in hospitals and birthing centers.

Key Objectives

The main goals of the bill include:

• Developing and distributing educational resources that facilitate understanding of sensitivities surrounding adoption.
• Promoting best practices for healthcare providers when they interact with prospective birth mothers and adoptive families.
• Enhancing education for healthcare professionals about patient care related to adoption.

Resource Development and Dissemination

The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) is tasked with creating and sharing accurate and accessible resources regarding adoption. These resources will include:

• Digital materials.
• Possibly printed materials as well.

HHS is also required to maintain a dedicated webpage with adoption resources for healthcare workers, aiming to improve their knowledge and understanding of adoption-related matters.

Creating a Committee

A committee of experts in adoption will be established to help develop the educational resources. Members will include:

• Adoption education organization representatives.
• Maternal health experts.
• Child welfare specialists.
• Licensed social workers.
• Hospital case managers.
• Adoption attorneys.

Education and Professional Development

HHS will provide education and professional development opportunities for hospital and birthing center staff, focusing on:

• Care for women considering adoption and their families.
• Standardized guidelines and procedures to support this care.

In some cases, HHS may award grants or contracts to eligible nonprofit organizations that specialize in adoption education to assist in these efforts. These organizations will be required to meet specific criteria, such as partnering with healthcare professionals and focusing on holistic parenting support.

Evaluation and Reporting

To ensure accountability, HHS will evaluate the effectiveness of the programs established under this act, assessing factors such as:

• The number of hospitals that adopt adoption-sensitive practices.
• The number of healthcare providers trained in adoption-related issues.

A report on the findings must be submitted to Congress no later than three years after the enactment of the bill.

Financial Authorization

The bill authorizes an appropriation of $5 million for the fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to support these educational initiatives and resource developments.

Definitions

The bill also defines several terms, including:

• Birth mother: A woman who places her child for adoption, terminating her parental rights.
• Care provider: Any healthcare personnel in contact with expectant mothers, birth mothers, and potential adoptive families.
• Potential adoptive family: Individuals looking to adopt a child.
• Child-placing agency: An organization that finds homes for newborns for adoption or foster care.

Relevant Companies

• None found