Addison McDowell (R-NC)
Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act of 2026 aims to provide research and services for people facing clinical mental health complications after a pregnancy loss. It directs the National Institute of Mental Health to expand research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. The bill also mandates a national longitudinal study to track the prevalence and severity of these cases. Additionally, it establishes a grant program to fund the delivery of mental health services, such as outpatient care, inpatient management, and support services. These services are intended to assist individuals and their families struggling with these conditions.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +8
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The bill creates a grant program to fund outpatient, inpatient, and home-based mental health services for those experiencing pregnancy loss.
- Scored +8
Would women be better off under this?
The bill provides new research and service infrastructure specifically designed to support women after a pregnancy loss.
- Scored +7
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The bill expands the availability of support services like transportation and attendant care for individuals facing pregnancy loss.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Expanded Research and Understanding: The bill directs the National Institute of Mental Health to conduct research into the causes and treatments of mental health conditions following pregnancy loss (Section 101(a) and 101(c)). This includes basic research, improved diagnostic techniques, and the development of new treatments (Section 101(c)).
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National Data Tracking: The requirement for a national longitudinal study aims to identify the prevalence, symptoms, and duration of mental health cases following pregnancy loss (Section s 101(d)(1)).
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Improved Access to Care: The grant program allows for the establishment and operation of systems to deliver mental health services (Section 201(d)(1)). This includes outpatient and home-based services, as well as inpatient care management (Section 201(d)(2)(A) and (B)).
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Comprehensive Support Services: Funds may be used to improve the availability of health care and support services, including transportation, attendant care, and counseling on financial assistance or insurance (Section 201(d)(2)(C)).
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Information for Professionals: Research will support information and education programs for both health care professionals and the general public (Section 101(c)(4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Service Providers: The bill defines "prohibited entities" as those that perform or fund abortions (except in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening physical conditions). These entities and their affiliates are barred from receiving subgrants for these projects (Section 201(d)(4)(A)).
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Financial Risks for Entities: Entities that certify they will not perform abortions may be required to repay Federal assistance if they subsequently violate that certification (Section 201(d)(4)(B) and (C)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill creates a grant program to fund outpatient, inpatient, and home-based mental health services for those experiencing pregnancy loss. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill expands the availability of support services like transportation and attendant care for individuals facing pregnancy loss. Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill authorizes $4.5 million annually for research into the causes and treatments of mental health conditions following pregnancy loss.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would women be better off under this? — The bill provides new research and service infrastructure specifically designed to support women after a pregnancy loss. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill allows the Secretary to limit charges for services based on the financial circumstances of the individual.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill allows for counseling on financial assistance and insurance to help families managing pregnancy loss.
- 5/29/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Stephanie BiceRepublican · Oklahoma