Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act

H.R. 6442 would amend federal child support law to establish new requirements for biological fathers to contribute to pregnancy and delivery costs. Under the bill, states would need to create systems allowing mothers to request that biological fathers pay at least 50% of out-of-pocket medical expenses associated with pregnancy and delivery, including health insurance premiums. The payments would only be required if the mother makes a formal request, and certain limitations would apply to which costs are covered. Currently, child support orders typically begin only at birth in most states, meaning pregnant women often bear pregnancy costs alone. If enacted, this bill could provide financial support to pregnant women before their child is born. The bill is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Ways and Means and has not yet been voted on by the full chamber.