Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act
Summary
SB1004, the Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act, would extend and update a federal grant program that supports residential treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women. The bill reauthorizes Section 508 of the Public Health Service Act and continues federal support for facilities that provide treatment and recovery services for women during pregnancy and after childbirth, with a focus on substance use disorder and related health needs.
The bill also makes several technical and programmatic changes. It updates statutory language from “health services” to “health care services,” requires applicants to provide a plan describing how they will deliver services, and allows those plans to include outreach strategies for women disproportionately affected by maternal substance use disorder. In addition, it increases authorized funding from $29,931,000 annually for fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to $38,931,000 annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029.
Impact
If enacted, SB1004 would amend Section 508 of the Public Health Service Act and extend federal authorization for residential treatment programs serving pregnant and postpartum women through fiscal year 2029. It would affect grant applicants and recipients, including treatment providers and health care organizations that serve women with substance use disorders, by adding planning and outreach expectations and by increasing the level of authorized funding available for the program.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally supportive, bipartisan sentiment. The bill was introduced by Senator Luján with cosponsors from both parties, including Senators Scott of South Carolina, Klobuchar, Capito, and Tillis, indicating cross-party interest in continuing the program. No committee debate or votes are provided, but the sponsorship pattern suggests broad agreement on the need to reauthorize and strengthen services for pregnant and postpartum women.
Contention
No specific opposition or contested issues are reflected in the provided record. The main policy questions implied by the text are the funding increase, the added planning requirement for applicants, and the new emphasis on targeted outreach to women disproportionately impacted by maternal substance use disorder. Those provisions could matter to appropriators, program administrators, and providers, but no explicit disagreement is documented in the available materials.
A bill for an act relating to eligibility requirements for pregnant women, postpartum women, and infants under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children.