Would the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed, or MOMS Act, which is co-sponsored by Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, require women to register with the federal government when they become pregnant? No, that's not true: Britt's office told Lead Stories that "The MOMS Act would not require women to register with the federal government." Instead, it focuses on providing resources and support for women during pregnancy and early childhood through the establishment of a website, which would serve as a resource clearinghouse.
The claim appeared on Threads (archived here) on May 10, 2024. The post's caption said:
Katie Britt wants to make it so women have to register with the federal government when they become pregnant.
This is nuts.
This is what the post looked like on Threads at the time of writing:
(Source: Threads screenshot taken on Fri May 17 15:58:37 2024 UTC)
The legislation
Sean Ross, communications director for Britt, told Lead Stories in a May 17, 2024, email that "These social media claims are flagrantly false." He continued:
The MOMS Act would not require women to register with the federal government. There is no database or registry of pregnant women created under this legislation.
There is no disclosure of any personally identifiable information required to use the website or access its listing of resources. At no point is information regarding a website user's pregnancy status solicited under the bill. There is no log-in or registration to use the website, nor is there any kind of tracking involved.
According to the language in the bill, the MOMS Act would "amend the Public Health Service Act to provide more opportunities for mothers to succeed, and for other purposes."
In a May 9, 2024, press release, Britt said this about the legislation:
As a mom, I know firsthand that there is no greater blessing in life than our children and understand the types of challenges that women face during their pregnancy journeys and while raising their kids. I'm proud to support women throughout these seasons of motherhood.
This legislation is further evidence that you can absolutely be pro-life, pro-woman, and pro-family at the same time. The MOMS Act advances a comprehensive culture of life, grows and strengthens families, and ensures moms have the opportunities and resources needed so they and their children can thrive and live their American Dreams.
The MOMS Act would establish a website called Pregancy.gov, described as a "clearinghouse of resources for pregnant women, moms, and families," by Ross. The act (archived here) would also:
- Enhance access to resources before and after childbirth.
- Mandate states to allocate child support responsibilities during the pregnancy upon the mother's request.
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Other fact check agencies have also reviewed this claim, including PolitiFact and USA Today.
