By Laura Echevarria
Published January 19, 2026 at 4:26 PM

             Congress took a key step to protect pregnancy help organizations from ideological attacks, advancing legislation that affirms states’ authority to support pregnancy centers that provide critical assistance to women and families.

             The legislation was introduced on January 6, 2026, by Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), with Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY).

             “We applaud and thank Representatives Michelle Fischbach, Chris Smith, and Claudia Tenney for standing up for women, strengthening families, and recognizing the vital work of pregnancy centers,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life.

             On January 14, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced H.R. 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act. The bill clarifies that states may use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to sup
port pregnancy centers and prevents federal agencies from blocking that support through regulation or reinterpretation of the law. Every Republican on the Ways and Means Committee voted to advance the bill, while every Democrat voted against it.

             “National Right to Life strongly supports the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act. Pregnancy centers often face discrimination simply because they are committed to protecting unborn life,” said Tobias. “The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act makes clear that states may support pregnancy centers without fear of federal interference, ensuring that women are not denied access to real help and meaningful alternatives.

             H.R. 6945 amends Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act to make explicit that nothing in federal law may be used to prohibit states from directing TANF funds to pregnancy centers. The bill also clearly defines pregnancy centers as organizations that protect the lives of both mother and unborn child while providing services such as pregnancy testing, prenatal and parenting education, relationship counseling, and material assistance including diapers, baby clothes, and other essentials.

             House leadership is expected to bring H.R. 6945 to the floor this week. If passed, the bill will move to the Senate for consideration.

             National Right to Life’s scorecard letter to representatives can be found here.