S. 4387 — Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to seek to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Medicine (or another appropriate entity if the Academy declines) to study 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 impact risks for maternal morbidity and maternal 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 the extent to which they constitute social determinants of health; and (2) focus particularly on impacts among diverse communities, including Black and African American, Hispanic and Latino, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Alaskan 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 Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator 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. Grants 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 (1) state, local, or federally recognized Tribal governments; (2) nonprofits or community-based organizations providing related prevention or intervention services; (3) Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, or Urban Indian organizations; (4) Tribal epidemiology centers; (5) federally qualified health centers; (6) certified community behavioral health clinics; (7) health care providers such as hospitals, clinics, health departments, or freestanding birth centers; (8) institutions of higher education; (9) substance use disorder treatment programs with specialized services for parents; and (10) Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. In awarding grants, HHS must prioritize applicants proposing to (1) address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and mental health or substance use disorders among pregnant persons; (2) address issues for pregnant persons experiencing violence, persons at risk of pregnancy due to violence or abuse, and postpartum persons experiencing violence; (3) develop innovative approaches including cultural bias training, antiracism training, implicit bias strategies, and strategies to identify and prevent domestic violence across racial, ethnic, cultural, and community groups (e.g., Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Alaskan Native, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons); (4) implement approaches at Tribal epidemiology centers; (5) improve maternal health surveillance; or (6) facilitate shared learning among grant recipients. The Secretary must report to Congress on best practices under the program not later than three years after 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 assessments of intimate partner violence and mental and behavioral health conditions, and health promotion and trauma-informed care strategies; and (2) creating sustainable partnerships with 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 key 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 to the individual; (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 from a mental health or substance use disorder so attributed or aggravated); and (4) postpartum, as the 12-month period following childbirth.