I filed a bill this week with several of my colleagues that would provide pre-birth child support to mothers who are carrying a father’s child. Right now, that support, for the most part, does not start until the baby is born and, as a pro-life person, I felt that the unborn child needs and deserves the support. Quite frankly, guys have been getting off the hook for too long and need to take accountability for their actions.
Being pregnant with a child is a true blessing but for many it is stressful, and it is also expensive. Many single women need all the support they can get during this time. It is only fair and right that the father of the unborn child be held accountable during this time and share in that burden.
The alternative that many mothers must take if they do not receive this assistance is to go on welfare programs and Medicaid. It sets the woman up for lower paying wages and on a path that makes it difficult to get off these welfare programs.
In addition, prenatal care is beneficial to both the mother and the child.
Benefits for the mother:
- Early detection and management of health issues: Prenatal checkups allow healthcare professionals to monitor the mother’s health closely, identifying and managing any pre-existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid problems. Early intervention can prevent complications for both mother and baby.
- Reduced risk of pregnancy complications: Prenatal care helps detect and manage potential pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm labor. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the risk of serious health problems for both the mother and the child.
- Nutritional guidance and support: Healthcare professionals provide crucial guidance on proper nutrition during pregnancy, ensuring the mother receives the essential vitamins and minerals needed for both her health and the baby’s development.
- Emotional support and education: Prenatal care often includes opportunities for mothers to connect with other pregnant women, share experiences, and learn about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. This support network can be invaluable in reducing anxiety and promoting emotional well-being during this transformative time.
- Reduced risk of postpartum depression: Studies have shown that prenatal care can decrease the risk of postpartum depression, a serious mental health condition that can affect mothers after childbirth.
Benefits for the child:
- Increased birth weight and reduced risk of preterm birth: Regular prenatal care helps ensure optimal fetal growth and development, leading to a healthier birth weight and reduced risk of preterm birth, which can have serious health consequences for newborns.
- Lower risk of birth defects: Prenatal care provides opportunities for early detection and management of potential birth defects through prenatal screenings and diagnostic tests.
- Improved long-term health outcomes: Studies have shown that children born to mothers who received adequate prenatal care have a lower risk of developing chronic health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease later in life.
Overall, prenatal care is an investment in the health and well-being of both the mother and the child. It empowers mothers to make informed choices about their pregnancy, fosters a safe and healthy environment for fetal development, and lays the foundation for a healthy future for both mom and baby. Remember, a happy and healthy mom equals a happy and healthy baby!
The pre-birth child support bill that I and a number of my colleagues are proposing will allow mothers to access this prenatal care and ensure that fathers are held accountable and participate in the pre-birth expenses and care of that child they helped to conceive.
