U.S. House Backs Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act
Washington, D.C. — A House-approved bill would make clear that states may use federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block-grant dollars to support pregnancy centers, an option supporters say could expand diapers, parenting classes and other material help, while critics may scrutinize how funds are used and what information families receive.
H.R. 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, was introduced by Rep. Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. The measure amends Title IV-A of the Social Security Act to state that nothing in current law should be read as prohibiting a state from using TANF grants to support “pregnancy centers.”
In the bill text, “pregnancy center” is broadly defined to include organizations that support protecting “the life of the mother and the unborn child” and provide services such as relationship counseling, prenatal and pregnancy education, pregnancy testing, and material supports like diapers and baby clothes.
For families, the practical impact would likely depend on decisions in each state’s TANF plan and contracting process. The proposal does not require states to fund pregnancy centers, but it could strengthen states’ legal footing to do so potentially affecting how much TANF funding goes to cash assistance, child care supports, job training, or contracted community services.
What parents should know
- Watch your state’s TANF plan and budget hearings for any shifts in contracted services.
- If you need help now, ask local providers what services are free, confidential, and medically licensed.
Next, the bill would need Senate consideration before it could become law; families can track updates through Congress’ official bill page.
