Central ND News

As Mother's Day approaches, a group of senators is introducing legislation to address the challenges many mothers face throughout their pregnancy journeys and the costly task of raising a family. This move comes at a pivotal time as the number of U.S. births in 2023 was the lowest since 1979, according to provisional CDC data. Last year, America's total fertility rate hit an all-time low.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senators Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) in introducing the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act today. This legislation aims to provide crucial support to women during the initial phases of motherhood – prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood development – and enhance access to resources and assistance that can help mothers and their children thrive.

The MOMS Act incorporates Senator Cramer’s Unborn Child Support Act, which would allow expectant mothers to receive child support from the father during pregnancy if they choose.

“Being pro-life means valuing both mother and child,” said Cramer. “The financial strain of pregnancy and raising a family is real. Our MOMS Act helps provide pregnant women with the resources they need at all stages of motherhood."

Senator Britt added, "This legislation is further evidence that you can absolutely be pro-life, pro-woman, and pro-family at the same time."

"Being pro-life means being pro-mother," stated Senator Rubio.

Upon implementation, the MOMS Act would establish Pregnancy.gov – a federal clearinghouse of resources available to expecting and postpartum moms as well as those with young children. The clearinghouse would increase access to adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, and other relevant public and private resources available within their zip code and surrounding areas.

The legislation would also improve access to pre- and post-natal resources by establishing a grant program for non-profit entities to support, encourage, and assist women in carrying their pregnancies to term and caring for their babies after birth. It would also require states to apply child support obligations to the time period during pregnancy.

The MOMS Act has garnered additional support from U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and J.D. Vance (R-OH).

Senator Cramer has been a strong advocate for fostering a culture of life. He received the Life Protector Award from the North Dakota Right to Life in January 2023, and introduced a resolution in June 2022, celebrating the pro-life movement on its victory in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

In 2022, Senator Cramer penned an op-ed in the Washington Examiner, highlighting his Unborn Child Support Act. The legislation has garnered the support of several pro-life organizations.