H.R. 8521 — Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to seek an arrangement with the National Academy of Medicine (or a similar entity) for a study on how domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, reproductive coercion, intergenerational violence, trauma, or psychiatric disorders affect risks of maternal morbidity and mortality, including intimate partner homicide. The study must (1) examine whether and how such factors increase risks of suicide, homicide, substance use, drug overdose, or poor birth outcomes among pregnant and postpartum persons and their extent as social determinants of health; and (2) focus on impacts among diverse communities, including Black and African American, Hispanic and Latino, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Alaska Native, and LGBTQIA2S+ birthing persons and adolescent mothers.

This section establishes a grant program administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and in collaboration with the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families, the Director of the Indian Health Service, the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to support eligible entities in developing and implementing innovative approaches—including culturally relevant public and provider education campaigns—to improve maternal and child health outcomes for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, reproductive coercion, intergenerational violence, trauma, or psychiatric disorders. Eligible entities include states, local governments, Tribal governments, nonprofits, Tribal organizations, federally qualified health centers, certified community behavioral health clinics, hospitals, institutions of higher education, substance use disorder treatment programs with parental services, and Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. In awarding grants, HHS must prioritize applicants addressing (1) domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and mental health or substance use disorders among pregnant persons; (2) violence issues among pregnant, at-risk, or postpartum persons; (3) innovative approaches such as cultural bias, antiracism, or implicit bias training across specified racial, ethnic, and community groups; (4) approaches at Tribal epidemiology centers; (5) maternal health surveillance improvements; or (6) shared learning among grantees. The Secretary must report to Congress on best practices within three years of enactment and every three years thereafter. The section authorizes $15 million for each of FY2027 through FY2029.

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, not later than two years after enactment, to publish and disseminate guidance to states, Indian Tribes, territories, health care providers, and managed care entities on (1) developing protocols for providing universal education on healthy relationships and intimate partner violence, routine assessment of intimate partner violence and mental and behavioral health conditions, and health promotion and strategies for trauma-informed care plans; and (2) creating sustainable partnerships between health care providers and community-based organizations addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, reproductive coercion, or intergenerational violence.

This section defines four terms for purposes of the Act: (1) freestanding birth center, as given in section 1905(l) of the Social Security Act; (2) maternal morbidity, as a health condition (including a mental health condition or substance use disorder) attributed to or aggravated by pregnancy or childbirth that results in significant short-term or long-term health consequences; (3) maternal mortality, as death occurring during pregnancy or within one year after pregnancy that is attributed to or aggravated by pregnancy-related or childbirth complications (including suicide, drug overdose death, homicide—including domestic violence-related homicide—or other death resulting from a mental health or substance use disorder attributed to or aggravated by such complications); and (4) postpartum, as the 12-month period following childbirth.