Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
Maternal Health for Veterans Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
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
This bill is known as the Maternal Health for Veterans Act. It requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a maternity care coordination program for eligible veterans. The program must provide care from the beginning of pregnancy until 12 months postpartum. It also mandates regular reviews of mental health screenings and the implementation of a performance management process. Additionally, the Secretary must provide training and support to community maternity care providers and submit an annual report to Congress containing specific program and health outcome data.
Yes· 3 of 20
- Scored +9
Would women be better off under this?
Significantly improves maternity care, mental health screenings, and postpartum support for female veterans.
- Scored +9
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
Provides comprehensive maternity care coordination and mental health support for eligible veterans.
- Scored +9
Does this help veterans get medical care?
The legislation establishes a comprehensive maternity care coordination program for eligible veterans through 12 months postpartum.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Comprehensive Care Duration: Under Section 2, specifically adding Section 1786A(b)(1), the Secretary is required to provide care to eligible veterans from the beginning of pregnancy until 12 months postpartum. This is positive because it ensures mothers receive continuous support for a full year after pregnancy.
-
Mental Health Support and Tracking: Under Section 2, specifically adding Section 1786A(b)(2), the bill requires the systematic compilation and review of data on mental health screenings conducted by maternity care coordinators. This is positive because it helps track and address the mental health needs of veterans during and after pregnancy.
-
Community Provider Training: Under Section 2, specifically adding Section 1786A(c), the Secretary must provide community maternity care providers with training and support on the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum veterans, particularly regarding mental and behavioral health. This is positive because it helps outside doctors better understand the specific service-related backgrounds of veteran mothers.
-
Congressional Oversight and Data Transparency: Under Section 2, specifically adding Section 1786A(d), the Secretary must submit annual reports to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs detailing program activities, maternal health outcomes, and progress on recommendations. This is positive because it holds officials accountable and highlights disparities based on race, ethnicity, age, disability, and rural residency.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: Based strictly on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences, burdens, or penalties for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Provides comprehensive maternity care coordination and mental health support for eligible veterans. Would women be better off under this? — Significantly improves maternity care, mental health screenings, and postpartum support for female veterans. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Many female veterans of childbearing age will directly benefit from comprehensive maternity care coordination. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill tracks maternal health outcomes and disparities specifically for racial and minority groups to improve care. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The bill tracks maternal health outcomes and disparities specifically for racial and minority groups to improve care. Would children be better off under this? — Provides extended postpartum and maternal health care that benefits newborns and infants during their first year of life. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill tracks maternal health outcomes and disparities specifically for racial and minority groups to improve care. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill tracks maternal health outcomes and disparities specifically for racial and minority groups to improve care. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Requires data disaggregation and tracking of maternal health outcomes for veterans living in rural areas. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Access to fully coordinated maternity care helps alleviate financial burdens associated with pregnancy and postpartum care.
- Healthcare
- Does this help veterans get medical care? — The legislation establishes a comprehensive maternity care coordination program for eligible veterans through 12 months postpartum. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — It improves healthcare coordination and care duration for eligible veterans. Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill mandates regular reviews of mental health screenings and support for pregnant and postpartum veterans.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The legislation focuses specifically on improving maternal health outcomes and care for female veterans. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill requires annual reporting and tracking of maternal health outcomes disaggregated by race and ethnicity to address disparities. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — Reports and outcomes are disaggregated by disability status to track and improve care accessibility.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — It significantly enhances health benefits and support services for female veterans during and after pregnancy.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Mandates detailed annual reports to Congress regarding program activities, data, and recommendations. Does this give the federal government more power? — It increases federal program requirements for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — Annual reporting tracks maternal health outcomes specifically for veterans living in rural areas.
- 6/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Susan CollinsRepublican · Maine