Pregnant Women Support Act - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states for collecting and reporting abortion surveillance data.
Requires health facilities that perform abortions to obtained informed consent from a pregnant woman seeking an abortion, except in a medical emergency.
Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to allow states to extend health care coverage to an unborn child.
Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a health insurance issuer offering individual coverage from imposing a preexisting condition exclusion or a waiting period or otherwise discriminating against a woman on the basis that she is pregnant.
Allows the Secretary to make grants for the purchase of ultrasound equipment for examinations of pregnant women.
Provides for the collection and dissemination of information on Down syndrome and other prenatally diagnosed conditions.
Provides for services to pregnant women and mothers who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Requires states to have a pregnant "box check" on homicide death certificates.
Allows the Secretary to make grants to public institutions of higher education to assist pregnant and parenting students in continuing their studies and graduating.
Requires the Secretary to provide for programs to work with pregnant or parenting teens to finish high school.
Requires group homes for pregnant and parenting women to provide counseling on adoption and parenting skills.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase and make refundable the tax credit for adoption expenses.
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the eligibility threshold for food stamps.
[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6145 Introduced in House (IH)]
109th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 6145
To provide for programs that reduce the need for abortion, help women
bear healthy children, and support new parents.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 21, 2006
Mr. Davis of Tennessee (for himself, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Ms.
Kaptur, Mr. Lipinski, Mr. Ortiz, Mr. Melancon, Mr. Ford, Mr. Costello,
Mr. Peterson of Minnesota, Mr. Oberstar, Mr. McIntyre, Mr. Holden, Mr.
Berry, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Kennedy of Minnesota,
Mr. Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Mr. Mollohan, Mr. Taylor of
Mississippi, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Murtha, Mr. Ryan of
Ohio, Mr. Langevin, Ms. Bordallo, and Mr. Barrow) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and the
Workforce, Ways and Means, and Agriculture, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide for programs that reduce the need for abortion, help women
bear healthy children, and support new parents.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Pregnant Women
Support Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I--COLLECTING AND REPORTING ABORTION SURVEILLANCE DATA
Sec. 101. Grants for collection and reporting of abortion surveillance
data.
Sec. 102. Report on reasons why women choose to have an abortion.
TITLE II--DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION FOR ABORTION SERVICES
Sec. 201. Disclosure of information for abortion services.
TITLE III--MEDICAID AND SCHIP COVERAGE OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND UNBORN
CHILDREN
Sec. 301. Codification of optional SCHIP coverage of unborn children.
Sec. 302. Coordination with the maternal and child health program.
Sec. 303. Increase in SCHIP income eligibility.
Sec. 304. Outreach program to encourage those eligible for services to
enroll.
TITLE IV--HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND NEWBORNS
Sec. 401. Individual health insurance coverage for pregnant women.
Sec. 402. Continuation of health insurance coverage for newborns.
TITLE V--INCREASING WOMEN'S KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THEIR PREGNANCY
Sec. 501. Grants to health centers for purchase of ultrasound
equipment.
TITLE VI--SERVICES REGARDING POSITIVE TEST DIAGNOSIS OF DOWN SYNDROME
OR OTHER PRENATALLY DIAGNOSED CONDITIONS
Sec. 601. Services to patients receiving positive test diagnosis for
down syndrome or other prenatally diagnosed
conditions.
TITLE VII--IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST
PREGNANT WOMEN
Sec. 701. Findings.
Sec. 702. Separate program for domestic violence, dating violence,
sexual assault and stalking screening and
treatments for pregnant women and new
mothers.
Sec. 703. Additional authorization of appropriations for public
campaign to increase public awareness.
Sec. 704. Homicide death certificates.
TITLE VIII--PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Sec. 801. Grants for increasing public awareness of resources available
to assist pregnant women carrying their
pregnancies to term and to assist new
parents.
TITLE IX--SUPPORT FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING STUDENTS
Sec. 901. Support services for students of institutions of higher
education.
Sec. 902. Child care for parenting students.
TITLE X--SUPPORT FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING TEENS
Sec. 1001. Grants to States.
TITLE XI--FEDERALLY-FUNDED HOMES FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING WOMEN;
ADOPTION COUNSELING; PARENTING SKILLS
Sec. 1101. Counseling requirements.
TITLE XII--EXPANSION OF ADOPTION CREDIT AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS
Sec. 1201. Expansion of adoption credit and adoption assistance
programs.
TITLE XIII--PROVIDING SUPPORT TO NEW PARENTS
Sec. 1301. Increased support for WIC program.
Sec. 1302. Nutritional support for low-income parents.
Sec. 1303. Increased funding for the Child Care and Development Block
Grant program.
Sec. 1304. Teenage or first-time mothers; free home visits by
registered nurses for education on health
needs of infants.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) There are 1.29 million abortions annually in America.
(2) 48 percent of all pregnancies in America are
unintended. Excluding miscarriages, 54 percent of unintended
pregnancies end in abortion.
(3) 57 percent of women who have abortions have incomes
below 200 percent of the poverty level.
(4) ``Cannot afford a baby'' is the second most frequently
cited reason women choose to have an abortion; 73 percent of
women having abortions cited this reason as a contributing
factor.
(5) This Act is an initiative to gather more complete
information about abortion, to reduce the abortion rate by
helping women carry their pregnancies to term and bear healthy
children, and by affirming the right of women to be fully
informed about their other options when they seek an abortion.
(6) The initiative will work to support women facing
unplanned pregnancies, new parents and their children by
providing comprehensive measures for health care needs,
supportive services and helpful prenatal information and
postnatal services.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health
and Human Services.
(2) The term ``State'' includes the 50 States, the District
of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the
Virgin Islands, and any other territory or possession of the
United States.
TITLE I--COLLECTING AND REPORTING ABORTION SURVEILLANCE DATA
SEC. 101. GRANTS FOR COLLECTION AND REPORTING OF ABORTION SURVEILLANCE
DATA.
(a) Grants.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may make grants to States
for collecting and reporting abortion surveillance data.
(b) Reporting Requirement.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may make a grant to a State
under this section only if the State agrees to submit a report
in each of fiscal years 2008 and 2010 on the State's abortion
surveillance data.
(2) Contents.--Each report submitted by a State under this
subsection shall, with respect to the preceding 2 fiscal years,
include--
(A) the number and characteristics of women
obtaining abortions in the State; and
(B) the characteristics of these abortions,
including the approximate gestational age of the unborn
child, the abortion method, and any known physical or
psychological complications.
(c) Confidentiality.--The Secretary shall maintain the
confidentiality of any individually identifiable information reported
to the Secretary under this section.
(d) Report.--Not later than the end of fiscal year 2010, the
Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress on the abortion
surveillance data reported to the Secretary under this section.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary
for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010.
SEC. 102. REPORT ON REASONS WHY WOMEN CHOOSE TO HAVE AN ABORTION.
The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the Institute of
Medicine to study the reasons why women choose to have an abortion. The
Secretary shall ensure that a report from the Institute describing the
findings of the study is submitted to the Congress not later than
January 10, 2010.
TITLE II--DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION FOR ABORTION SERVICES
SEC. 201. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION FOR ABORTION SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Health facilities that perform abortions in or
affecting interstate commerce shall obtain informed consent from the
pregnant woman seeking to have the abortion. Informed consent shall
exist only after a woman has voluntarily completed or opted not to
complete pre-abortion counseling sessions.
(b) Accurate Information.--Counseling sessions under subsection (a)
shall include the following information:
(1) The probable gestational age and characteristics of the
unborn child at the time the abortion will be performed.
(2) How the abortion procedure is performed.
(3) Possible short-term and long-term risks and
complications of the procedure to be performed.
(4) Options or alternatives to abortion, including, but not
limited to, adoption, and the resources available in the
community to assist women choosing these options.
(5) The availability of post-procedure medical services to
address the risks and complications of the procedure.
(c) Medical Emergencies.--In the case of a medical emergency
consent is presumed. A medical emergency is expressed as a condition
which, on the basis of the physician's good-faith clinical judgment, so
complicate the medical condition of a pregnant woman as to necessitate
the immediate termination of her pregnancy to avert her death or for
which a delay will create a serious risk of substantial and
irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.
(d) Civil Remedies.--
(1) Civil action.--Any female upon whom an abortion has
been performed or attempted without complying with the informed
consent requirements may bring a civil action in an appropriate
district court of the United States against the person who
performed the abortion in knowing or reckless violation of this
section for actual and punitive damages.
(2) Certain authorities and requirements.--With respect to
an action under paragraph (1):
(A) The court may award attorney's fees to the
plaintiff if judgment is rendered in favor of the
plaintiff, and may award attorney's fees to the
defendant if judgment is rendered in favor of the
defendant and the court finds that the plaintiff's case
was frivolous and brought in bad faith.
(B) The court shall determine whether the anonymity
of the female involved will be preserved from public
disclosure if the female has not consented to her
identity being disclosed. If the female's identity is
to be shielded, the court shall issue an order sealing
the record and excluding individuals from the courtroom
to preserve her identity.
(C) In the absence of the female's written consent,
anyone other than a public official who brings the
action shall do so under a pseudonym.
(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may
be construed to conceal the identity of the plaintiff or of the
witnesses from the defendant.
(e) Severability.--If any provision of this section requiring
informed consent for abortions is found unconstitutional, the
unconstitutional provision is severable and the other provisions of
this section remain in effect.
(f) Preemption.--Nothing in this section shall prevent a State from
enacting and enforcing additional requirements with respect to informed
consent.
TITLE III--MEDICAID AND SCHIP COVERAGE OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND UNBORN
CHILDREN
SEC. 301. CODIFICATION OF OPTIONAL SCHIP COVERAGE OF UNBORN CHILDREN.
(a) In General.--Section 2110(b) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1397jj(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(5) Coverage of unborn children.--The terms `child' and
`individual' include, at the State option, an unborn child.''.
(b) Construction.--Subsection (a) shall be construed as codifying
the regulation promulgated at Federal Register 61956 (October 2, 2002),
relating to eligibility for prenatal care and other health services for
unborn children under SCHIP.
SEC. 302. COORDINATION WITH THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 2102(b)(3) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1397bb(b)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(F) that operations and activities under this
title are developed and implemented in consultation and
coordination with the program operated by the State
under title V in areas including outreach and
enrollment, benefits and services, service delivery
standards, public health and social service agency
relationships, and quality assurance and data
reporting.''.
(b) Conforming Medicaid Amendment.--Section 1902(a)(11) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(11)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' before ``(C)''; and
(2) by inserting before the semicolon at the end the
following: ``, and (D) provide that operations and activities
under this title are developed and implemented in consultation
and coordination with the program operated by the State under
title V in areas including outreach and enrollment, benefits
and services, service delivery standards, public health and
social service agency relationships, and quality assurance and
data reporting''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section take
effect on January 1, 2007.
SEC. 303. INCREASE IN SCHIP INCOME ELIGIBILITY.
(a) Definition of Low-Income Child.--Section 2110(c)(4) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 42 U.S.C. 1397jj(c)(4)) is amended by
striking ``200'' and inserting ``250''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) applies
to child health assistance provided and allotments determined under
section 2104 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd) for fiscal
years beginning with fiscal year 2007.
SEC. 304. OUTREACH PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE THOSE ELIGIBLE FOR SERVICES TO
ENROLL.
The Secretary shall make such funds available as may be necessary
to encourage eligible pregnant women to enroll for services for their
unborn children under this title.
TITLE IV--HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND NEWBORNS
SEC. 401. INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN.
(a) Limitation on Imposition of Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions
and Waiting Periods for Women With Prior Coverage.--Title XXVII of the
Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 2752
the following new section:
``SEC. 2753. PROVIDING INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE WITHOUT
REGARD TO PREEXISTING CONDITION EXCLUSION AND WAITING
PERIODS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN WITHIN ONE YEAR OF CONTINUOUS
PRIOR COVERAGE.
``In the case of a woman who has had at least 12 months of
creditable coverage before seeking individual health insurance
coverage, such individual health insurance coverage, and the health
insurance issuer offering such coverage, may not impose any preexisting
condition exclusion relating to pregnancy as a preexisting condition,
any waiting period, or otherwise discriminate in coverage or premiums
against the woman on the basis that she is pregnant.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on January 1, 2007, and shall apply to women who become
pregnant on or after such date.
SEC. 402. CONTINUATION OF HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR NEWBORNS.
(a) Group Health Plan Coverage.--Title XXVII of the Public Health
Service Act is amended by inserting after section 2706 the following
new section:
``SEC. 2707. CONTINUATION OF COVERAGE FOR NEWBORNS.
``(a) Notification.--In the case of a pregnant woman who is covered
under a group health plan, or under group health insurance coverage,
for other than family coverage, the plan or issuer of the insurance
shall provide notice to the woman during the 5th month of pregnancy,
during the 8th month of pregnancy, and within 2 weeks after delivery,
of the woman's option to provide continuing coverage of the newborn
child under the group health plan or health insurance coverage under
subsection (b).
``(b) Option of Continued Coverage for Newborns.--In the case of a
pregnant woman described in subsection (a) who has a newborn child
under a group health plan or under group health insurance coverage, the
plan or issuer offering the coverage shall provide the woman with the
option of electing coverage of the newborn child at least through the
end of the 30-day period beginning on the date of birth of the child
and no waiting period or preexisting condition exclusion shall apply
with respect to the coverage of such a newborn child under such plan or
coverage. Such continuation coverage shall remain in effect, subject to
payment of applicable premiums, for at least such period as the
Secretary specifies.''.
(b) Individual Health Insurance Coverage.--Such title is further
amended by inserting after section 2753, as added by section 401, the
following new section:
``SEC. 2754. CONTINUATION OF COVERAGE FOR NEWBORNS.
``The provisions of section 2707 shall apply with respect to
individual health insurance coverage and the issuer of such coverage in
the same manner as they apply to group health insurance coverage and
the issuer of such coverage.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on January 1, 2007, and shall apply to women who become pregnant
on or after such date and children who are born of such women.
TITLE V--INCREASING WOMEN'S KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THEIR PREGNANCY
SEC. 501. GRANTS TO HEALTH CENTERS FOR PURCHASE OF ULTRASOUND
EQUIPMENT.
Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 243
et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 317L the following:
``SEC. 317L-1. GRANTS FOR THE PURCHASE OR UPGRADE OF ULTRASOUND
EQUIPMENT.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may make grants for the purchase
of ultrasound equipment. Such ultrasound equipment shall be used by the
recipients of such grants to provide, under the direction and
supervision of a licensed medical physician, ultrasound examinations to
pregnant women consenting to such services.
``(b) Eligibility Requirements.--An entity may receive a grant
under subsection (a) only if the entity meets the following conditions:
``(1) The entity is a health center eligible to receive a
grant under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act
(relating to community health centers, migrant health centers,
homeless health centers, and public-housing health centers).
``(2) The entity agrees to comply with the following
medical procedures:
``(A) The entity will inform each pregnant woman
upon whom the ultrasound equipment is used that she has
the right to view the visual image of the unborn child
from the ultrasound examination and that she has the
right to hear a general anatomical and physiological
description of the characteristics of the unborn child.
``(B) The entity will inform each pregnant woman
that she has the right to learn, according to the best
medical judgment of the physician performing the
ultrasound examination or the physician's agent
performing such exam, the approximate age of the embryo
or unborn child considering the number of weeks elapsed
from the probable time of the conception of the embryo
or unborn child, based upon the information provided by
the client as to the time of her last menstrual period,
her medical history, a physical examination, or
appropriate laboratory tests.
``(c) Application for Grant.--A grant may be made under subsection
(a) only if an application for the grant is submitted to the Secretary
and the application is in such form, is made in such manner, and
contains such agreements, assurances, and information as the Secretary
determines to be necessary to carry out this section.
``(d) Annual Report to Secretary.--A grant may be made under
subsection (a) only if the applicant for the grant agrees to report on
an annual basis to the Secretary, in such form and manner as the
Secretary may require, on the ongoing compliance of the applicant with
the eligibility conditions established in subsection (b).
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000
for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the
fiscal years 2009 and 2010.''.
TITLE VI--SERVICES REGARDING POSITIVE TEST DIAGNOSIS OF DOWN SYNDROME
OR OTHER PRENATALLY DIAGNOSED CONDITIONS
SEC. 601. SERVICES TO PATIENTS RECEIVING POSITIVE TEST DIAGNOSIS FOR
DOWN SYNDROME OR OTHER PRENATALLY DIAGNOSED CONDITIONS.
(a) Findings and Purposes.--
(1) Findings.--The Congress finds as follows:
(A) Pregnant women who choose to undergo prenatal
genetic testing should have access to timely,
scientific, and nondirective counseling about the
conditions being tested for and the accuracy of such
tests, from health care professionals qualified to
provide and interpret these tests. Informed consent is
a critical component of all genetic testing.
(B) A recent, peer-reviewed study and two reports
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on
prenatal testing found a deficiency in the data needed
to understand the epidemiology of prenatally diagnosed
conditions, to monitor trends accurately, and to
increase the effectiveness of health intervention.
(2) Purposes.--It is the purpose of this section, after the
diagnosis of an unborn child with Down syndrome or other
prenatally diagnosed conditions, to--
(A) increase patient referrals to providers of key
support services for women who have received a positive
test diagnosis for Down syndrome, or other prenatally
diagnosed conditions, as well as to provide up-to-date,
science-based information about life-expectancy and
development potential for a child born with Down
syndrome or other prenatally diagnosed condition;
(B) provide networks of support through a Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention patient and provider
outreach program;
(C) improve available data by incorporating
information directly revealed by prenatal testing into
existing State-based surveillance programs for birth
defects and prenatally diagnosed conditions; and
(D) ensure that patients receive up-to-date,
scientific information about the accuracy of the test.
(b) Amendment to the Public Health Service Act.--Part P of title
III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 399P. SUPPORT FOR PATIENTS RECEIVING A POSITIVE TEST DIAGNOSIS
OF DOWN SYNDROME OR OTHER PRENATALLY DIAGNOSED
CONDITIONS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Down syndrome.--The term `Down syndrome' refers to a
chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division that
results in the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of
chromosome 21.
``(2) Health care provider.--The term `health care
provider' means any person or entity required by State or
Federal law or regulation to be licensed, registered, or
certified to provide health care services, and who is so
licensed, registered, or certified.
``(3) Prenatally diagnosed condition.--The term `prenatally
diagnosed condition' means any fetal health condition
identified by prenatal genetic testing or prenatal screening
procedures.
``(4) Prenatal test.--The term `prenatal test' means
diagnostic or screening tests offered to pregnant women seeking
routine prenatal care that are administered by a health care
provider based on medical history, family background, ethnic
background, previous test results, or other risk factors.
``(b) Information and Support Services.--The Secretary, acting
through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Director
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the Administrator
of the Health Resources and Services Administration, may authorize and
oversee certain activities, including the awarding of grants, contracts
or cooperative agreements, to--
``(1) collect, synthesize, and disseminate current
scientific information relating to Down syndrome or other
prenatally diagnosed conditions; and
``(2) coordinate the provision of, and access to, new or
existing supportive services for patients receiving a positive
test diagnosis for Down syndrome or other prenatally diagnosed
conditions, including--
``(A) the establishment of a resource telephone
hotline and Internet Website accessible to patients
receiving a positive test result;
``(B) the establishment of a clearinghouse of
scientific information, clinical course, life
expectancy and development potential relating to Down
syndrome or other prenatally diagnosed conditions;
``(C) the establishment of national and local peer-
support programs;
``(D) the establishment of a national registry, or
network of local registries, of families willing to
adopt newborns with Down syndrome or other prenatally
diagnosed conditions, and links to adoption agencies
willing to place babies with Down syndrome or other
prenatally diagnosed conditions, with families willing
to adopt; and
``(E) the establishment of awareness and education
programs for health care providers who provide the
results of prenatal tests for Down syndrome or other
prenatally diagnosed conditions, to patients,
consistent with the purpose described in section
2(b)(1) of the Prenatal Diagnosis Support Act.
``(c) Data Collection.--
``(1) Provision of assistance.--The Secretary, acting
through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, shall provide assistance to State and local health
departments to integrate the results of prenatal testing into
State-based vital statistics and birth defects surveillance
programs.
``(2) Activities.--The Secretary shall ensure that
activities carried out under paragraph (1) are sufficient to
extract population-level data relating to national rates and
results of prenatal testing.
``(d) Provision of Information by Providers.--Upon receipt of a
positive test result from a prenatal test for Down syndrome or other
prenatally diagnosed conditions performed on a patient, the health care
provider involved (or his or her designee) shall provide the patient
with the following:
``(1) Up-to-date, scientific, written information
concerning the life expectancy, clinical course, and
intellectual and functional development and treatment options
for an unborn child diagnosed with or child born with Down
syndrome or other prenatally diagnosed conditions.
``(2) Referral to supportive services providers, including
information hotlines specific to Down syndrome or other
prenatally diagnosed conditions, resource centers or
clearinghouses, and other education and support programs as
described in subsection (b)(2).
``(e) Privacy.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsections (c) and (d),
nothing in this section shall be construed to permit or require
the collection, maintenance, or transmission, without the
health care provider obtaining the prior, written consent of
the patient, of--
``(A) health information or data that identify a
patient, or with respect to which there is a reasonable
basis to believe the information could be used to
identify the patient (including a patient's name,
address, healthcare provider, or hospital); and
``(B) data that are not related to the epidemiology
of the condition being tested for.
``(2) Guidance.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish
guidelines concerning the implementation of paragraph (1) and
subsection (d).
``(f) Reports.--
``(1) Implementation report.--Not later than 2 years after
the date of enactment of this section, and every 2 years
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress
concerning the implementation of the guidelines described in
subsection (e)(2).
``(2) GAO report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this section, the Government Accountability Office
shall submit a report to Congress concerning the effectiveness
of current healthcare and family support programs serving as
resources for the families of children with disabilities.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2007 through 2011.''.
TITLE VII--IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST
PREGNANT WOMEN
SEC. 701. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Pregnant and recently pregnant women are more likely to
be victims of homicide than to die of any other causes, and
evidence exists that a significant proportion of all female
homicide victims are killed by their intimate partners.
(2) A 2001 study published by the Journal of the American
Medical Association found that murder is the number one cause
of death among pregnant women.
(3) Research suggests that injury related deaths, including
homicide and suicide, account for approximately one-third of
all maternal mortality cases, while medical reasons make up the
rest. Homicide is the leading cause of death overall for
pregnant women, followed by cancer, acute and chronic
respiratory conditions, motor vehicle collisions and drug
overdose, peripartum and postpartum cardiomyopthy, and suicide.
SEC. 702. SEPARATE PROGRAM FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE,
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND STALKING SCREENING AND TREATMENTS FOR
PREGNANT WOMEN AND NEW MOTHERS.
(a) Allotments.--For the purpose described in subsection (b), the
Secretary shall, for fiscal year 2007 and each subsequent fiscal year,
allot to each State that has transmitted an application for the fiscal
year under section 505(a) of the Social Security Act an amount equal to
the product of--
(1) the amount appropriated under subsection (d) for the
fiscal year; and
(2) the percentage determined for the State under section
502(c)(1)(B)(ii) of such Act.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of an allotment under subsection (a) with
respect to a State is to enable the State to provide services to
pregnant women who want to carry their child to term and mothers of
children up to one year old who are victims of domestic violence,
dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; identification and
treatment of pregnant women who want to carry their children to term
and mothers of children up to one year old, including the provision of
domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking
identification, treatment services, to identify increasing the number
of persons identified, assessed, treated, and referred, for, such
victims; and to train health care professionals, and behavioral and
public health staff, on how to identify and respond to adult and minor
patients experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual
assault, or stalking. Such training shall include--
(1) identifying patients of clients experiencing domestic
violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking;
(2) assessing the immediate and short-term safety of the
patient or client, the impact of the abuse on the health of the
patient, and assisting the patient in developing a plan to
promote his or her safety;
(3) examining and treating such patients or clients within
the scope of the health professional's discipline, training,
and practice (including providing medical advice regarding the
dynamics and nature of domestic violence, dating violence
sexual assault, or stalking);
(4) maintaining complete medical or forensic records that
include the documentation of the examination, treatment given,
and referrals made, and recording the location and nature of
the victim's injuries, and establishing mechanisms to ensure
the privacy and confidentiality of those medical records;
(5) referring the patient or client to public and private
nonprofit entities that provide services for such victims; and
(6) ensuring that all services are provided in a
linguistically and culturally relevant manner.
(c) Application of Provisions.--
(1) In general.--Sections 503, 507, and 508 of the Social
Security Act apply to allotments under subsection (a) to the
same extent and in the same manner as such sections apply to
allotments under section 502(c) of such Act.
(2) Secretarial discretion.--Sections 505 and 506 of the
Social Security Act apply to allotments under subsection (a) to
the extent determined by the Secretary to be appropriate.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of making
allotments under subsection (a), there are authorized to be
appropriated $4,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2011.
SEC. 703. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR PUBLIC
CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS.
Section 403(b) of Public Law 109-162 (119 Stat. 3023) is amended by
striking ``such sums'' and all that follows and inserting the
following: ``$3,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, and such sums as may be
necessary for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2011.''.
SEC. 704. HOMICIDE DEATH CERTIFICATES.
Upon the enactment of this Act, each State shall, within one year
after the date of such enactment, require a pregnant ``box check'' on
homicide death certificates.
TITLE VIII--PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
SEC. 801. GRANTS FOR INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE
TO ASSIST PREGNANT WOMEN CARRYING THEIR PREGNANCIES TO
TERM AND TO ASSIST NEW PARENTS.
(a) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants to States to increase
public awareness of resources available to pregnant women who intend to
carry their pregnancy to term and to new parents.
(b) Use of Funds.--The Secretary may make a grant to a State under
this section only if the State agrees to use the grant for the
following:
(1) Identification of resources available to assist
pregnant women who intend to carry their pregnancy to term or
to assist new parents, or both.
(2) Conducting an advertising campaign to increase public
awareness of such resources.
(3) Establishing and maintaining a toll-free telephone line
to direct people to--
(A) organizations that provide support services for
pregnant women who intend to carry their pregnancy to
term;
(B) adoption centers; and
(C) organizations that provide support services to
new parents.
(c) Prohibition.--The Secretary shall prohibit each State receiving
a grant under this section from using the grant to direct people to an
organization or adoption center that is for-profit.
(d) Identification of Resources.--The Secretary shall require each
State receiving a grant under this section to make publicly available
by means of the Internet (electronic and paper form) a list of the
following:
(1) The resources identified pursuant to subsection (b)(1).
(2) The organizations and adoption centers to which people
are directed pursuant to an advertising campaign or telephone
line funded under this section.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--The Secretary shall make such
funds available as may be necessary to carry out the activities of this
section.
TITLE IX--SUPPORT FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING STUDENTS
SEC. 901. SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENTS OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may make grants to public
institutions of higher education to carry out demonstration projects
for the purpose of providing services to assist both pregnant students
who intend to carry their pregnancy to term, including those
anticipating adoption, and parenting students in continuing their
studies and graduating.
(b) Certain Requirements for Grantees.--A grant may be made under
subsection (a) only if the institution of higher education involved
agrees that the institution--
(1) will provide the services through on-campus facilities;
and
(2) will submit to the Secretary, for each fiscal year for
which the grant is provided, a report describing the activities
carried out under the grant and the effects of the activities
on the students involved.
(c) Application for Grant.--A grant may be made under subsection
(a) only if an application for the grant is submitted to the Secretary
and the application is in such form, is made in such manner, and
contains such agreements, assurances, and information as the Secretary
determines to be necessary to carry out this section.
(d) Limitations on Amount of Grant.--A grant under subsection (a)
for a fiscal year may not be made in an amount exceeding $25,000.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $500,000 for
each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2011.
SEC. 902. CHILD CARE FOR PARENTING STUDENTS.
(a) Minimum Grant.--Section 419N(b)(2)(B) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070e(b)(2)(B)) is amended by striking
``$10,000'' and inserting ``$30,000''.
(b) Definition of Low-Income Student.--Section 419N(b)(7) of such
Act is amended to read as follows:
``(7) Definition of low-income student.--For the purpose of
this section, the term `low-income student' means a student
whose income is at or up to 200 percent of the poverty
level.''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 419N(g) of such Act
is amended by striking ``$45,000,000 for fiscal year 1999'' and
inserting ``$75,000,000 for fiscal year 2007''.
TITLE X--SUPPORT FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING TEENS
SEC. 1001. GRANTS TO STATES.
The Secretary shall make grants to States to allow early childhood
education programs, including Head Start, to work with pregnant or
parenting teens to complete high school and prepare for college or for
vocational education.
TITLE XI--FEDERALLY-FUNDED HOMES FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING WOMEN;
ADOPTION COUNSELING; PARENTING SKILLS
SEC. 1101. COUNSELING REQUIREMENTS.
With respect to any program of grants that is administered by the
Secretary and whose purposes include providing funds for group homes
for pregnant and parenting women, the Secretary shall require as a
condition of making such grants that the entities operating the group
homes provide to such women, upon request--
(1) adoption counseling; and
(2) counseling on parenting skills.
TITLE XII--EXPANSION OF ADOPTION CREDIT AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS
SEC. 1201. EXPANSION OF ADOPTION CREDIT AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS.
(a) Increase in Dollar Limitation.--
(1) Adoption credit.--
(A) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 23(b) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to dollar
limitation) is amended by striking ``$10,000'' and
inserting ``$15,000''.
(B) Child with special needs.--Paragraph (3) of
section 23(a) of such Code (relating to $10,000 credit
for adoption of child with special needs regardless of
expenses) is amended
(i) in the text by striking ``$10,000'' and
inserting ``$15,000'', and
(ii) in the heading by striking ``$10,000''
and inserting ``$15,000''.
(C) Conforming amendment to inflation adjustment.--
Subsection (h) of section 23 of such Code (relating to
adjustments for inflation) is amended to read as
follows:
``(h) Adjustments for Inflation.--
``(1) Dollar limitations.--In the case of a taxable year
beginning after December 31, 2007, each of the dollar amounts
in subsections (a)(3) and (b)(1) shall be increased by an
amount equal to--
``(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined
under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which
the taxable year begins, determined by substituting
`calendar year 2006' for `calendar year 1992' in
subparagraph (B) thereof.
If any amount as increased under the preceding sentence is not
a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest
multiple of $10.
``(2) Income limitation.--In the case of a taxable year
beginning after December 31, 2002, the dollar amount in
subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) shall be increased by an amount equal
to--
``(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined
under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which
the taxable year begins, determined by substituting
`calendar year 2001' for `calendar year 1992' in
subparagraph (B) thereof.
If any amount as increased under the preceding sentence is not
a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest
multiple of $10.''.
(2) Adoption assistance programs.--
(A) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 137(b) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to dollar
limitation) is amended by striking ``$10,000'' and
inserting ``$15,000''.
(B) Child with special needs.--Paragraph (2) of
section 137(a) of such Code (relating to $10,000
exclusion for adoption of child with special needs
regardless of expenses) is amended--
(i) in the text by striking ``$10,000'' and
inserting ``$15,000'', and
(ii) in the heading by striking ``$10,000''
and inserting ``$15,000''.
(C) Conforming amendment to inflation adjustment.--
Subsection (f) of section 137 of such Code (relating to
adjustments for inflation) is amended to read as
follows:
``(f) Adjustments for Inflation.--
``(1) Dollar limitations.--In the case of a taxable year
beginning after December 31, 2007, each of the dollar amounts
in subsections (a)(2) and (b)(1) shall be increased by an
amount equal to--
``(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined
under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which
the taxable year begins, determined by substituting
`calendar year 2006' for `calendar year 1992' in
subparagraph (B) thereof.
If any amount as increased under the preceding sentence is not
a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest
multiple of $10.
``(2) Income limitation.--In the case of a taxable year
beginning after December 31, 2002, the dollar amount in
subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) shall be increased by an amount equal
to--
``(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined
under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which
the taxable year begins, determined by substituting
`calendar year 2001' for `calendar year 1992' in
subparagraph thereof.
If any amount as increased under the preceding sentence is not
a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest
multiple of $10.''.
(b) Credit Made Refundable.--
(1) Credit moved to subpart relating to refundable
credits.--The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(A) by redesignating section 36 as section 37,
(B) by redesignating section 23, as amended by
subsection (a), as section 36, and
(C) by moving section 36 (as so redesignated) from
subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 to
the location immediately before section 37 (as so
redesignated) in subpart C of part IV of subchapter A
of chapter 1.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Section 24(b)(3)(B) of such Code is amended by
striking ``and sections 23'' and inserting ``section''.
(B) Section 25(e)(1)(C) of such Code is amended by
striking ``23,''.
(C) Section 25B(g)(2) of such Code is amended by
striking ``and section 23''.
(D) Section 36 of such code, as so redesignated, is
amended--
(i) by striking paragraph (4) of subsection
(b), and
(ii) by striking subsection (c).
(E) Section 137 of such code is amended--
(i) in subsection (d) by striking ``section
23(d)'' and inserting ``section 36(d)'', and
(ii) in subsection (e) by striking
``section 23'' and inserting ``section 36''.
(F) Section 1400C(d) of such Code is amended by
striking ``23, 24,'' and inserting ``24''.
(G) The table of sections for subpart A of part IV
of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code of 1986 is
amended by striking the item relating to section 23.
(H) Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) of title 31,
United States Code, is amended by inserting ``or 36''
after ``section 35''.
(I) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV
of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by striking the last item and
inserting the following new items:
``Sec. 36. Adoption expenses.
``Sec. 37. Overpayments of tax.''.
(c) Modifications Made by Egtrra to Adoption Credit Made
Permanent.--Title IX of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief
Reconciliation Act of 2001 shall not apply to the amendments made by
section 202 of such Act.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006.
TITLE XIII--PROVIDING SUPPORT TO NEW PARENTS
SEC. 1301. INCREASED SUPPORT FOR WIC PROGRAM.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The special supplemental nutrition program for women,
infants, and children (WIC) authorized in the Child Nutrition
Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786) serves over 8,000,000 women,
infants, and children.
(2) Half of all infants in the United States and 1 in 4
young children under age 5 get crucial health and nutrition
benefits from the WIC Program.
(3) It is estimated that every dollar spent on WIC results
in between $1.92 and $4.21 in Medicaid savings for newborns and
their mothers.
(4) The WIC program has been proven to increase the number
of women receiving prenatal care, reduce the incidence of low
birth weight and fetal mortality, reduce anemia, and enhance
the nutritional quality of the diet of mothers and children.
(5) The WIC program's essential, effective nutrition
services include nutrition assessment, counseling and
education, obesity prevention, breastfeeding support and
promotion, prenatal and pediatric health care referrals and
follow-up, spousal and child abuse referral, drug and alcohol
abuse referral, immunization screening, assessment and
referral, and a host of other services for mothers and
children.
(6) One in 10 people eligible to participate in the WIC
program are unable to receive WIC services.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and
children (WIC) (42 U.S.C. 1786), there is authorized to be appropriated
$5,388,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, of which there is authorized to be
appropriated $15,000,000 for breast-feeding peer counselors,
$14,000,000 for infrastructure needs, and $30,000,000 for management
information systems.
SEC. 1302. NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT FOR LOW-INCOME PARENTS.
Section 5(c)(2) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2014(c)(2))
is amended by striking ``30 percentum'' and inserting ``85 percentum''.
SEC. 1303. INCREASED FUNDING FOR THE CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 658B of the Child
Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 658B. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subchapter $2,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2007 and such sums as may be
necessary for fiscal years 2007 through 2011.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 658E(c)(3)(D) of the Child Care
and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858c(c)(3)(D)) is
amended by striking ``1997 through 2002'' and inserting ``2007 through
2011''.
SEC. 1304. TEENAGE OR FIRST-TIME MOTHERS; FREE HOME VISITS BY
REGISTERED NURSES FOR EDUCATION ON HEALTH NEEDS OF
INFANTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may make grants to local health
departments to provide to eligible mothers, without charge, education
on the health needs of their infants through visits to their homes by
registered nurses.
(b) Eligible Mother.--
(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a), a woman is
an eligible mother if, subject to paragraph (2), the woman--
(A) is the mother of an infant who is not more than
12 months of age; and
(B)(i) the woman was under the age of 20 at the
time of birth; or
(ii) the infant referred to in subparagraph (A) is
the first child of the woman.
(2) Additional requirements for certain mothers.--In the
case of a woman described in paragraph (1)(B)(ii) who is 20
years of age or older, the woman is an eligible mother for
purposes of subsection (a) only if the woman meets such
standards in addition to the applicable standards under
paragraph (1) as the local health department involved
determines to be appropriate.
(c) Certain Requirements.--A grant may be made under subsection (a)
only if the applicant involved agrees as follows:
(1) The program carried out under such subsection by the
applicant will be designed to instill in eligible mothers
confidence in their abilities to provide for the health needs
of their newborns, including through--
(A) providing information on child development; and
(B) soliciting questions from the mothers.
(2) The registered nurses who make home visits under
subsection (a) will, as needed, provide referrals for health
and social services to serve the needs of the newborns.
(3) The period during which the visits will be available to
an eligible mother will not be fewer than six months.
(4) An eligible mother will not receive more than one visit
each month during the period in which such visits are available
to the woman.
(d) Authorized Services.--
(1) Requirements.--A grant may be made under subsection (a)
only if the applicant involved agrees that the following
services will be provided by registered nurses in home visits
under subsection (a):
(A) Information on child health and development,
including suggestions for child-developmental
activities that are enjoyable for parents and children.
(B) Advice on parenting, including information on
how to develop a strong parent-child relationship.
(C) Information on resources about parenting,
including identifying books and videos that are
available at local libraries.
(D) Information on upcoming parenting workshops in
the local region.
(E) Information on programs that facilitate parent-
to-parent support services.
(F) In the case of an eligible mother who is a
student, information on resources that may assist the
mother in completing the educational courses involved.
(2) Additional services.--A grant under subsection (a) may
be expended to provide services during home visits under such
subsection in addition to the services specified in paragraph
(1).
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000
for fiscal year 2007.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, Ways and Means, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, Ways and Means, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, Ways and Means, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, Ways and Means, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, Ways and Means, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Llama 3.2 · runs locally in your browser
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman .
Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry.
Executive Comment Requested from USDA.
Referred to the Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Education Reform.