U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) on May 19 proposed bipartisan legislation that aims to help America’s rural hospitals maintain labor and delivery services while preserving critical federal support.
Rep. Feenstra sponsored the Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support (MOMS) Act of 2026, H.R. 8891, alongside three original cosponsors, including Rep. LaHood and U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI), to ensure that beds used exclusively for labor and delivery are not counted toward the 25-bed limit required for critical access hospital (CAH) designation under Medicare.
“Expecting mothers deserve access to high-quality, maternal health care, wherever they live,” Rep. Feenstra said. “Representing one of the most rural districts in the country, I regularly hear from Iowa mothers who drive sometimes over an hour just to access maternal care. I am proud to lead this common-sense legislation to support rural mothers, strengthen access to maternal care, and help ensure the best outcomes in rural communities across the country.”
H.R. 8891 has received support from the Iowa Hospital Association, the American Hospital Association, and the National Rural Health Association.
“One of the most urgent challenges facing our rural communities is the diminishing access to maternal health care,” said Rep. LaHood. “Expecting mothers deserve access to high-quality care regardless of where they live, which is why I was proud to join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Rural MOMs Act.”
The legislation supports CAHs by allowing them to continue to provide labor and delivery services without jeopardizing their inpatient room capacity, the congressman said.
“I will continue my work to advance policies that strengthen and support mothers, children, and families in our rural communities,” added Rep. LaHood.
The measure has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.