U.S. Rep. Lawrence Moves Bipartisan Legislation to Support Women Veterans

Press Release

On Thursday, December 1, 2022, U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) celebrated the House passage of H.R. 2521, the DOULA for VA Act of 2022. This bipartisan measure will provide a study on the feasibility of furnishing doula services to women veterans. As the former Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus, Congresswoman Lawrence introduced the DOULA for VA Act to improve maternal health outcomes for pregnant veterans. 

On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, Congresswoman Lawrence, in coordination with the Bipartisan Women's Caucus, also introduced H. Res. 1497 a resolution recognizing the contributions of the Women in Military Service for America (Military Women's Memorial) for its 25 years of service. The Military Women's Memorial tells the stories of more than 3 million women who have served our country since the American Revolution and is the only historical repository to document the service of America's military women. 

"Maternal mortality in the United States is a public health crisis," said Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI-14). " As we address this serious public health issue, we are responsible for ensuring that pregnant veterans are included in the conversation. I introduced this bill to provide veterans who have served our country optimal maternal and mental health care that considers their veteran-specific experiences. Doulas have a proven positive effect on the health outcome of the mother and child. As doula services continue to grow, we must look at ways to expand maternal health care services for women veterans at the VA."  

"Our nation's women servicemembers and veterans deserve to be seen, heard, and recognized," said Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI-14). "The Memorial has exhibited an unwavering dedication to solidifying the place of women servicemembers in history. It has served as a touchstone destination for hundreds of annual Honor Flights, military ceremonies, and retirements and a gathering point for military and service organizations from across the country. I strongly urge my colleagues to rise in support of this resolution." 

"Congress has a role to play to ensure our veterans have the resources they deserve, including health care. As co-chair of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus, we have prioritized the health of women veterans and maternal care in our nation," said Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04). "The DOULA for VA Act addresses both critical issues by helping to expand doula services through the VA. I'm grateful that the House has passed this important legislation for pregnant veterans, and I'm thankful for Congresswoman Lawrence's leadership."

"Women have become the fastest growing group within the veteran population with close to 2 million in the United States. As such, we need resources within the VA that accommodate their needs. H.R. 2521, the DOULA for VA Act, builds on this principle by authorizing a feasibility study on the establishment of a pilot program to offer doula services for pregnant veterans enrolled in the VA. I am proud to join my friend, Rep. Brenda Lawrence on this bill and help extend this service for women veterans who have served our country and are now part of the VA health care system. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to ensure its enactment into law," said Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR-At Large). 

"Georgia has the second worst rate of maternal death in the country, and our mothers deserve far better," said Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-02). "I have always believed that part of our duty as lawmakers is to serve those who have sacrificed for our nation's freedoms and ideals-- and that should absolutely include services to help our women veterans have safe and healthy pregnancies. I'm proud to join my colleagues in celebrating the passage of our bill as we continue our work to expand access to maternal health services for those who use the VA."

"I am pleased to see that the DOULA for VA Act has passed the U.S. House of Representatives!" said Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (R-AZ-08). "I was honored to be the lead Republican on this bill, and I am grateful to Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence and all of my congressional colleagues for their work to pass this important bipartisan legislation to support pregnant veterans. I hope the U.S. Senate can pass this bill quickly and send it to the president's desk where it can be signed into law and help our pregnant veterans."

"With more women serving in our armed forces than ever before, it is time the VA grows to meet the needs of our veteran population. This pilot program expands the reproductive care services the VA provides, which will in turn ensure better health outcomes for both mothers and babies," said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11). "When I left the Navy, the VA reproductive healthcare options available to me were minimal. With this bill, I am fighting to ensure the women who come after me experience better."

"I'm proud to join Rep. Lawrence in co-leading this resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Military Women's Memorial," said Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03). "As one of the vice chairs of the Congressional Women's Caucus, I've been proud to support and pay tribute to our female servicemembers at the memorial in Arlington National Cemetery each year around Memorial Day. To our women in uniform, a grateful nation thanks you for your service and stands with you every step of the way.

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