Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) recently introduced the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, a legislative effort to ensure that pregnancy resource centers remain eligible for vital federal funding. Joining her as co-leads on the bill are Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4).
The legislation would codify states’ ability to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support pregnancy resource centers. This move follows previous attempts by the Biden Administration to implement rules that would prohibit states from utilizing these funds for life-affirming resources, instead encouraging the redirection of funding toward facilities that provide abortions.
"Pregnancy Resource Centers were created to support expectant mothers, fathers, and families," said Rep. Fischbach. "Every woman deserves a safe environment where she is empowered and educated on available resources rather than being pressured into a life-ending decision. This bill is necessary to protect resources that meet the genuine needs of mothers, families, and children."
The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act ensures that states can continue partnering with local organizations that provide medical care, parenting classes, and material assistance, such as diapers and formula.
"By codifying the use of TANF funds for these centers, we are guaranteeing that states have the tools to protect the most vulnerable among us," Fischbach continued. "Conservatives are committed to supporting both the unborn and their mothers throughout their entire journey. We want every expectant mother to feel confident and equipped to raise her family. I want to thank Representatives Tenney and Smith for their leadership on this bill, which will preserve critical care for families in every corner of our country."
“Women facing unplanned or difficult pregnancies deserve support, not government roadblocks or political agendas,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Pregnancy resource centers provide medical care, parenting support, counseling, and essential supplies that help women choose life and care for their children with dignity. The Biden administration’s attempt to interfere with states’ use of TANF funds was an unacceptable overreach that threatened access to these vital services. This legislation ensures that Washington does not stand in the way of states that choose to support pregnant and parenting women, protect unborn children, and strengthen families. During Pro-Life Month and every month, standing up for life means standing with women, families, and the organizations that serve them.”
“There are more than 2,700 pregnancy resource centers throughout the United States—each one offering mothers and their precious children an oasis of love, compassion, and care,” said Rep. Chris Smith, Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus. “This legislation ensures that pregnancy resource centers cannot be excluded or restricted from receiving TANF funding, enabling them to continue providing crucial services and standing with women, children, and families in their time of need.”
Background: The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides $17.34 billion in federal funding to states for direct cash assistance and non-assistance activities for needy families. In 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Family Assistance, Administration for Children and Families, issued a proposed rule to amend TANF program regulations that could be interpreted to restrict states from using TANF funding for pregnancy centers. This rule was formally withdrawn in 2025, but to ensure the HHS cannot attempt to reinstate the rule, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act specifically prohibits restrictions on the use of TANF funds for pregnancy centers.
Michelle Fischbach is a wife, mom, grandma, attorney, and the U.S. Representative for Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District. Get updates from Rep. Fischbach's congressional office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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