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Congress·In Committee·3 months ago

Congress Backs Rule Requiring Biological Fathers to Pay at Least Half of Pregnancy Medical Costs

Also known as: Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(3)
Chronic Illness
Helps
Pregnant
Helps
Child Tax Credit
Helps

Key Points

  • Would require states to set and enforce child support so a baby’s biological father pays at least 50% of the mother’s reasonable out-of-pocket medical costs tied to pregnancy and delivery.
  • Costs covered could include health insurance premiums, deductibles, copays, and other similar expenses the mother has to pay during pregnancy and childbirth.
  • The father’s payment would apply only if the mother asks for this support; it is not automatic in every case.
  • Says these required payments should not be read as covering costs connected to an abortion, and it defines what counts as an abortion for this purpose.
  • Would start January 1 after the law is enacted, with extra time for states that must pass new state laws to put it into effect.
HealthcareLabor EmploymentConsumer Protection

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Dec 4, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Dec 4, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After the Act is enacted

States begin preparing to add pregnancy-and-delivery medical costs into child support orders

If you’re pregnant and expecting help with medical bills, there may be a ramp-up period while your state updates forms, staff training, and procedures.

January 1 after enactment

New requirement takes effect on January 1 of the first calendar year after enactment

From that January 1 onward (in states that can comply without new laws), a mother who asks could seek an order requiring the biological father to pay at least 50% of reasonable out-of-pocket pregnancy and delivery medical costs.

Potentially months to over a year after enactment, depending on the state legislature calendar

Some states get extra time if they must pass a state law to comply

In those states, you might not be able to use the new pregnancy medical cost-sharing rule right away. It would start no later than the first day of the first calendar quarter after the close of the first regular state legislative session that begins after enactment.

Around the effective date in each state

Child support agencies begin accepting requests to include pregnancy and delivery out-of-pocket costs

Pregnant people who want the father to share costs would likely need to request this through their state’s child support process and provide proof of expenses (like bills, insurance statements, or premium amounts), depending on state rules.

Related News

5 articles
New York Post·3 months ago

Fathers would pay 50% of pregnancy expenses under bill proposed by Iowa GOP lawmaker

Covers the Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act proposal requiring biological fathers to pay at least 50% of pregnancy/delivery out-of-pocket medical costs (on request), excluding abortion-related costs.

R+
Breitbart·3 months ago

GOP Lawmaker Pushes Bill to Ensure Fathers Cover Half of Pregnancy Costs

Reports on the Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act and highlights the 50% requirement for pregnancy/delivery costs (on request) and the bill’s exclusion of abortion costs.

R+
Catholic News Agency·3 months ago

Proposed U.S. law would require fathers to financially support pregnant moms

Roundup item summarizing the Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act: fathers would pay at least half of pregnancy and delivery out-of-pocket costs if the mother requests support.

CR+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act

Bill NumberHR 6442
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.