Emmer unveils Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) on Nov. 17 led 19 Republican cosponsors in introducing legislation that would provide research on, and services for, individuals with clinical mental health complications following a pregnancy loss.

“As thousands of women confront these tragic situations each year, it is important that we continue to better our understanding of the mental health complications and improve the delivery of treatment and care for those who are suffering,” Rep. Emmer said. 

The Pregnancy Loss Mental Health Research Act of 2021, H.R. 5995, would require the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to prioritize resources and research into clinical mental health complications following a pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Emmer’s staff.

“The loss of a child takes a terrible toll on the mental and emotional well-being of the mother. For those who experience a miscarriage, stillbirth or an abortion, the pain and grief can be unimaginable,” said Rep. Emmer. “Of all the federal resources directed to the NIH each year for medical research, little is allocated to understand and identify treatment for mental health conditions following a pregnancy loss.”

If enacted, H.R. 5995 would require NIH to coordinate with other national research institutes to determine what care is needed for individuals who have experienced pregnancy loss. This would include developing improved screening and diagnostic techniques for women, as well as information and education programs for healthcare professionals and the public, according to the summary.

Among the 19 original cosponsors of the bill are U.S. Reps. Tom Rice (R-SC), Mike Bost (R-IL), Young Kim (R-CA), and Lloyd Smucker (R-PA). U.S. Reps. Garret Graves (R-LA) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) on Nov. 18 also signed on as cosponsors of H.R. 5995.

The Family Research Council and the Center for Human Dignity also endorsed the bill, which has been referred to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.