H.R. 5406 — Opportunities to Support Mothers and Deliver Children Act

This section establishes a grant program under SSA §2008(d), administered by the HHS Secretary in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Education, for eligible entities to conduct demonstration projects of at least three years providing education and training to eligible individuals (i.e., those with incomes not exceeding 138% of the federal poverty level) for career pathways as doulas, midwives, or in related pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum fields. Grants are available only in states that recognize doulas or midwives and provide payment for their services under private or public health insurance plans; applications must describe career pathway elements (e.g., partnerships), confirm state recognition and practice permissions, and demonstrate experience or planned partnerships serving low-income populations. The HHS Secretary must conduct rigorous evaluations to identify successful strategies for accessible, high-standard career pathways offering increased wages and benefits (e.g., health coverage), particularly for low-income and entry-level workers; eligible entities include workforce boards, states, tribes, institutions of higher education, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, nonprofits, and others with relevant capacity; and doulas must complete 60 hours of training, obtain certification from a five-year-established organization requiring continuing education, or receive local government permission. This section appropriates $10 million for FY2026.