Washington, DC – A member of the US House of Representatives has unveiled a new bill that would hold biological fathers directly financially responsible during pregnancy. According to its proponents, this move aims to promote fairness for mothers and reduce the medical burdens they bear alone.
According to Fox News, the proposed bill would require the biological father to cover at least 50% of all medical costs associated with the pregnancy. This includes routine checkups, prenatal care, emergency medical expenses, and even the cost of the delivery itself. The Republican congressman who introduced the bill asserts that the goal is to “encourage fathers to take responsibility from the very beginning, not just after the child is born.”
This move comes amid widespread debate in the United States about mothers’ rights and shared parental responsibility. There is concern over rising healthcare costs.
Estimates suggest that the average cost of prenatal and delivery medical care in some states reaches tens of thousands of dollars. This places many women, especially single women or those with limited incomes, under significant financial strain.
Supporters of the project argue that requiring fathers to share the costs will reduce the financial burden on mothers. It will also give them greater access to appropriate healthcare without the fear of exorbitant expenses. They consider it a step towards “practical equality” in bearing the burdens of childbirth.
In contrast, the bill is expected to spark debate within Congress, particularly regarding mechanisms for determining biological fatherhood in the early stages of pregnancy and the legal procedures associated with establishing paternity before birth. Nevertheless, the initiative’s proponents maintain that the proposed legislation constitutes a “necessary reform” to address a long-standing gap in the American legal and social system.
With this move, Congress is opening a new door to discussion about parental responsibilities. This concerns the role of the state in protecting mothers’ rights and ensuring equitable healthcare during pregnancy.
