Congressman McDowell and Congresswoman Bice Introduce Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06) and Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) introduced the Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act of 2026, to bring pregnancy loss in focus for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by expanding federal research and mental health support services for women and families who experience pregnancy loss.

The Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act of 2026 directs the NIH in coordination with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to expand research efforts with respect to clinical mental health complications following a pregnancy loss, putting it on the same playing field as other mental health treatment and research efforts.

The bill also makes women who have experienced pregnancy loss eligible for existing maternal mental health grant programs and supports expanded screening, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling services.

"It's difficult to discuss the uniquely devastating grief that comes with the loss of a baby. This issue is deeply personal to my wife Rachel and me and to the thousands of couples who face this tragedy head-on with little resources or knowledge of how to best navigate the horrors that come following the loss of their baby. We can do better to understand the post-trauma response and improve treatment and care for those who are suffering," said Congressman Addison McDowell. " I am proud to champion this legislation with Congresswoman Bice to properly direct resources that will have a direct and lasting impact on grieving families."

"Losing a baby is heart wrenching and affects millions of women. It can also lead to long-term effects on the families, who should not have to go through grief without support. This is why I'm proud to co-lead the Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act alongside my friend Rep. McDowell. This bill is an important step toward providing parity in mental health research and services available for women who have experienced pregnancy loss," said Congresswoman Stephanie Bice.

The legislation is supported by organizations including American Principles Project, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and the Family Research Council.

"Every instance of pregnancy loss is the loss of an unborn child that can seriously impact mothers and their mental health -- no matter how the unborn child may have died. This legislation takes important steps to study the complex mental health complications that come with losing an unborn child and support the critical need for mental health services to help mothers who are experiencing these complications. We applaud Rep. McDowell and Rep. Brice for recognizing and addressing this heavy and often silent burden that many mothers face each day." - Hon. Marilyn Musgrave, Vice President of Government Affairs for Susan B. Anthony Pro-life America.

"Every pregnancy carries a unique human life, and when that life is lost, moms, dads, and families need real mental health support. They should never have to carry that grief alone. Congressman McDowell's Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Act will provide vital support to grieving parents when they need it most." - Terry Schilling, President, American Principles Project

"Every mother and father knows the death of an unborn child--regardless of the circumstances--is painful and tragic. Mothers and fathers of babies who have never taken a breath outside the womb often grieve in silence, as few who have not experienced this pain understand it. The mental health impact of the death of an unborn child cannot be overstated, and I am grateful for Congressman McDowell's efforts that will further the cause of recognizing the humanity of each unborn child and the impact that child had on the world. My hope is that this legislation will help parents cope with the suffering that accompanies the death of an unborn child." - Mary Szoch, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, Family Research Council

What the Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act does:

• Directs the NIH in coordination with the National Institute of Mental Health to expand research efforts with respect to clinical mental health complications following a pregnancy loss, including by:
  • Conducting a longitudinal study to determine the prevalence of mental health complications, symptoms, and severity in order to improve diagnostic techniques
  • Coordinating with other national research institutes and agencies to identify appropriate mental health treatment, including information and education programs for health care professionals and the public
• Amends Section 317 of the Public Health Services Act to allow women who have experienced a pregnancy loss to be applicable for mental health grants which are currently available to pregnant and postpartum mothers
  • Allows states to make subgrants under this section for entities that provide mental health services to individuals following a pregnancy loss, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment of clinical mental health conditions
  • Clarifies that entities that perform abortions or furnish funds to any other entity that performs abortions are ineligible for these grants

Find the full bill text here.