Tens of thousands of pro-life Americans will come to Washington, D.C. this Friday to be a voice for the unborn. Even if you are unable to join the March for Life in person, you can speak up for babies and their moms by contacting your Member of Congress and asking them to vote YES on two bills that will be voted on in the House of Representatives this week.
First, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act (H.R. 6945) allows pregnancy resource centers to be eligible for federal funds through the TANF program. The TANF program, short for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, is a short-term welfare benefit for low-income families to use on certain necessities. Directing some of these funds toward pregnancy centers ensures that they can provide their clients with free prenatal vitamins, formula, diapers, parenting counseling, and more. The current law does not clarify that such pregnancy resource centers are approved to receive TANF funds, and the Biden administration took action to restrict such pro-life providers from eligibility. Passing this bill into law would make clear that States can give grants to these important organizations instead of funding Planned Parenthood clinics.
Second, the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act (H.R. 6359) is a simple bill with a huge impact. Current Title IX regulations require colleges and universities to provide accommodations for pregnant students, such as modified schedules and excused absences. This bill will require colleges and universities to actually inform students about their rights under the law and the resources available to pregnant students to support them so they can stay enrolled in college.
Student retention is a big issue for colleges, and some colleges, like those in California, require all student health plans to include abortion coverage. Title IX’s protections are intended to reassure pregnant students that they have choices beyond just abortion or dropping out. H.R. 6359 will ensure that colleges and universities are communicating the protections the law provides to all students.
These two bills are common-sense policies that should be non-controversial and deserve the support of all Representatives regardless of party affiliation. Please call or email your Member of Congress and urge him or her to vote in favor of H.R. 6945 and H.R. 6359.
