H.R. 8521: Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act

The "Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act" is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the risks of maternal morbidity and mortality among individuals who are victims of domestic violence and related issues. The bill outlines several key components:

1. Study on Domestic Violence and Maternal Health

The Act mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collaborate with the National Academy of Medicine (or another appropriate organization) to conduct a study on the effects of various forms of violence—including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking—on maternal health. This study aims to:

• Examine how these types of violence may increase the risk of poor health outcomes such as suicide, homicide, substance use, and complications during and after pregnancy.
• Investigate whether these issues act as social determinants of health impacting pregnant and postpartum individuals.
• Focus particularly on diverse communities, including those identifying as Black, Hispanic and Latino, American Indian, Pacific Islander, Alaskan Native, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals.

2. Grants for Innovative Health Approaches

The bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to allocate grants to eligible entities for innovative approaches aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes for victims of violence. Key aspects include:

• Developing and implementing educational campaigns tailored to specific cultural needs.
• Establishing a connection between healthcare providers and community organizations to enhance support systems for affected individuals.
• Reporting to Congress every three years on successful practices and strategies to improve these health outcomes.

3. Eligibility for Grants

Various organizations can apply for these grants, including:

• State and local governments, and federally recognized Tribal governments.
• Nonprofits and community-based organizations providing violence prevention and intervention services.
• Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.
• Federally qualified health centers and other healthcare facilities.

4. Grant Priorities

In awarding grants, preference will be given to projects that:

• Specifically address the needs of pregnant individuals facing violence or those at risk of becoming pregnant due to abuse.
• Innovate in areas of health surveillance related to maternal health impacts.
• Involve cultural competency training and strategies for preventing domestic violence within diverse racial and cultural groups.

5. Guidance on Best Practices

Within two years of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to provide guidance on:

• Creating educational programs about healthy relationships and assessing intimate partner violence.
• Implementing trauma-informed care plans within healthcare settings.
• Establishing partnerships between health care providers and supportive community organizations.

6. Funding Authorization

The legislation authorizes $15 million per year for the fiscal years 2027 through 2029 to support the initiatives outlined in the bill.

7. Definitions

The bill provides definitions for key terms such as:

• Freestanding Birth Center: A center as defined in the Social Security Act.
• Maternal Morbidity: Health conditions related to or aggravated by pregnancy.
• Maternal Mortality: Deaths related to pregnancy within one year of childbirth.
• Postpartum: The period following childbirth, lasting up to 12 months.

Relevant Companies

• None found