Bill would require fathers to pay pregnancy costs
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) introduced the Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act, which would require states to set up systems ensuring biological fathers cover at least 50% of out-of-pocket medical expenses for pregnancy and delivery, including insurance premiums, when requested by the mother. The bill explicitly excludes abortion costs and aims to provide support prior to birth, addressing a gap in most states where child support typically begins only at birth. Hinson also highlighted companion efforts on campus resources for pregnant students and a bipartisan plan with Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.) to expand midwife training in underserved areas.
đ Key Facts
- Sponsor: Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa); bill title: Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act
- Mandate: Biological fathers pay at least 50% of out-of-pocket pregnancy/delivery medical costs; abortion costs excluded
- Trigger: Payments owed only if the mother requests them; current practice in most states starts child support at birth
đ Relevant Data
The average total health cost associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care in the US is $20,416, with average out-of-pocket costs of $2,743.
Health costs associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care â KFF
In 2023, 47% of Black mothers were single mothers, compared to 25% of Hispanic mothers and 21% of all mothers; Black individuals comprise 13% of the US population, Hispanic individuals 20%, and White individuals 58%.
The Economic Status of Single Mothers â Center for American Progress
In 2023, nearly half (49.7%) of all Black children lived with one parent, compared with about one in five (20.2%) of White children and 34.9% of Hispanic children; Black individuals comprise 13% of the US population, Hispanic individuals 20%, and White individuals 58%.
Living arrangements of children by race/ethnicity, 1970-2023 â OJJDP