# Plain Language Summary: Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act

This bill directs the federal government to study how domestic violence and related abuse affects pregnant women and new mothers, and to fund programs that help these victims. Right now, we don't have comprehensive data on exactly how much domestic violence contributes to pregnancy-related deaths and serious health problems. This bill aims to fill that gap by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to research the connection between abuse—including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking—and maternal mortality and severe complications during pregnancy and the year after childbirth.

The bill requires two major studies to be completed within two years. The first is conducted by the federal government and will analyze how violence affects pregnant people's access to healthcare and mental health treatment, identify which groups are most at risk, and look at whether violence increases the risk of suicide, substance abuse, and overdose among pregnant and postpartum women. The second study, conducted through the National Academy of Medicine, will examine the broader health impacts of violence on pregnant and postpartum people, with special attention to African American, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, and LGBTQ individuals who may face higher risks.

Beyond research, the bill provides $25 million in grants from 2022 to 2024 for hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, and community organizations to develop new programs that help abuse victims during pregnancy and after birth. These programs could focus on treating mental health issues, substance use disorders, or providing coordinated care that addresses both violence and pregnancy-related health needs. The bill also requires the government to issue guidance to healthcare providers on how to routinely screen pregnant patients for abuse and provide trauma-informed care, while building partnerships with domestic violence organizations in their communities.

Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act

Moore, Gwen

Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act This bill establishes a grant program and requires studies to address adverse maternal health outcomes among victims of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, forced marriage, and similar harms. Specifically, the Health Resources and Services Administration must award grants to state, tribal, or local governments, maternal care providers, institutions of higher education, and community organizations for improving maternal and child health outcomes for victims of such harms. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must study the relative risk of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity for victims of such harms. HHS must also contract with the National Academy of Medicine (or a similar entity) to conduct another study examining whether these harms increase the risk of suicide and substance use among pregnant and postpartum persons and other maternal health topics. The bill also requires HHS to disseminate guidance on developing protocols and creating partnerships to address intimate partner violence and similar harms.