U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) proposed bipartisan legislation that aims to improve postpartum care for members of the United States Armed Forces and their dependents.
“Many of our military systems are created from the male perspective of service,” Rep. Bice said. “Now that more women than ever are joining the military, it’s important that we work to accommodate the needs of new moms and their newborns.”
Rep. Bice cosponsored the Military Moms Matter Act of 2021, H.R. 3047, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) to protect and support service women who have just given birth, particularly during the critical postpartum stage, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Bice’s office.
If enacted, H.R. 3047 would ensure new mothers don’t have to meet their physical fitness test for 12 months postpartum; expand postpartum depression and anxiety screening for new moms; increase maternity and paternity leave to 12 weeks for both primary and secondary caregivers; and offer physical therapy referrals for pelvic floor examinations, among other provisions, according to the summary.
“There’s no need for our military women to have to ‘soldier through’ postpartum depression, a short paternity leave or passing a physical fitness test soon after giving birth,” said Rep. Bice. “This legislation will accomplish so much to help improve the lives of our military mothers and their families and help them safely return to service.”
The legislation is supported by Postpartum Pelvic Health Advocates and the What to Expect Project.
Malka S. Zeefe, co-founder and executive director of Postpartum Pelvic Health Advocates, noted at least one-third of births result in pelvic floor disorders, which are underdiagnosed and undertreated. “Beyond thanking these women for their service, we encourage Congress to care for these women, promote their quality of life and support their return to military readiness,” Zeefe said.