Sponsors (7)
The bill allows states to use LIHEAP funds to support pregnancy centers and expand material and nonmedical prenatal assistance for some families, but it risks diverting energy-assistance dollars from low-income households and funneling federal aid to organizations with anti‑abortion stances and limited clinical services.
Expectant parents in resource-limited communities gain increased access to prenatal education and counseling when states fund pregnancy centers with LIHEAP dollars.
Low-income pregnant people and families can receive material supports (diapers, baby clothes, etc.) through LIHEAP-funded pregnancy center programs.
Low-income households could see reduced access to core home energy assistance if states redirect LIHEAP funds to pregnancy centers instead of paying energy bills or funding energy services.
Women may be affected by federal aid being channeled to pregnancy centers that require affirming anti‑abortion positions, effectively directing public assistance toward organizations with anti‑abortion missions.
Pregnant people could receive primarily nonclinical or limited services from funded pregnancy centers, creating gaps in access to comprehensive clinical reproductive‑health care and unbiased counseling.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Clarifies that states may use LIHEAP grant funds to support pregnancy centers that provide counseling, prenatal education, testing, and material supports.
Official title: Amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to clarify the authority of States to use funds for pregnancy centers, and for other purposes.
Introduced March 26, 2026 by Tim Scott · Last progress March 26, 2026
Allows states to use LIHEAP energy assistance grant funds to support “pregnancy centers,” defined to include organizations that promote protecting the life of the mother and unborn child and provide services such as counseling, prenatal education, pregnancy testing, diapers, and other material supports. The bill only adds this clarification to existing law and does not create new funding or program requirements.