OKC Standard

U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) has partnered with Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) to introduce two bills aimed at supporting and protecting pregnancy centers and maternity homes. One of the proposed bills seeks to create a federal tax credit to encourage private sector donations to these centers.

Mullin emphasizes the importance of providing alternatives to abortion for women facing unplanned pregnancies. He states, "For those who experience an unplanned pregnancy, it is shameful that many in America have led them to believe that abortion is the only choice. Our society must do better than offering expectant mothers cruel and inhumane ways to kill their children."

The first bill, called the Pregnancy Center Support Act, introduces a 50 percent tax credit to incentivize voluntary contributions to pregnancy centers that offer life-affirming support to pregnant mothers. U.S. Representative Carol Miller (R-W.Va.) has introduced a companion measure in the House.

Pregnancy centers heavily rely on the generosity of individuals who are dedicated to supporting the needs of women, children, and families. In 2022 alone, these centers met with clients over 16 million times and provided more than $358 million in free goods and services.

Mullin's bill has garnered support from several senators, including Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). It is also backed by various organizations such as March for Life Action, Students for Life, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

The second bill, known as the Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act, aims to counter a proposed rule by the Biden administration that could potentially deny funding from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program to pregnancy centers. Even if these centers fulfill one or more of the TANF statutory purposes, they could still be denied funding under the proposed rule.

Mullin and Hyde-Smith are joined by several senators in supporting this bill, including Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). The Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act also enjoys support from organizations like SBA Pro-Life America, National Right to Life, and March for Life Action.

These bills introduced by Senator Mullin and Senator Hyde-Smith aim to provide the necessary resources and support for pregnancy centers and maternity homes. By incentivizing private sector donations and nullifying potentially harmful rules, they hope to empower expectant mothers to choose life for their babies and ensure that all children are protected.