Military Moms Matter Act

May 7th, 2021 Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), chair of the Servicewomen and Women Veterans Congressional Caucus, introduced her Military Moms Matter Act of 2021. This historic, bipartisan legislation, alongside Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), aims to protect and support servicewomen who have just given birth, particularly during the critical postpartum stage.

The Military Moms Matter Act of 2021 would:

• Expand paternity leave to 12 weeks for both primary and secondary caregivers

• Make the 6 weeks of convalescent leave separate from paternity/maternity leave

• Ensure new moms don’t have to meet their physical fitness test for 12 months postpartum

• Offer physical therapy referrals for pelvic floor examinations and expands the number of military treatment facilities that offer pelvic health physical therapists and pelvic health rehabilitation services

• Expand postpartum depression and anxiety screening for new moms

• Expand the pilot program that pairs a newborn’s check-up and the mom’s postpartum follow up

Our CEO. Deshauna Barber on SWAN’s take on the bill

“Service Women's Action Network is in full support of the Military Moms Matter Act of 2021. This bill serves as an additional step closer to ensuring service members are allowed the opportunity to experience parenthood without the pressures of rushed recovery.”

Full text of the Military Moms Matter Act of 2021 can be found here.