Republican bill seeks to help single mothers by making fathers assist with pregnancy costs

Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida Republican, wants to encourage fathers to be more involved with their children, starting with the months before they’re born.

Mr. Rubio and Rep. Ashley Hinson, Iowa Republican, on Wednesday introduced legislation to require biological fathers to pay for half the medical expenses associated with pregnancy and delivery, which now are often borne by the mother alone.

“Pro-life Americans must stand behind mothers, celebrating and providing for life at every stage,” Mr. Rubio said. “Families are the building blocks of society. Our communities should help mothers as they nurture and raise children, while also holding fathers accountable to stay involved in their child’s development.”

The legislation excludes expenses associated with abortion.

“Last year, nearly 1.5 million children were born to single mothers,” said the press release from Mr. Rubio’s office. “Many of these mothers cover costly medical expenses throughout the course of pregnancy, without support from their child’s biological father.”

The percentage of babies born to single mothers has soared in the past 40 years from 18% in 1980 to 40% in 2022, according to government figures cited by Statista.

Infant mortality rates are nearly twice as high for babies born to single mothers, Ms. Hinson said.

“We are facing a devastating fatherhood crisis in this country. Infant mortality rates are nearly two times higher for infants of single mothers, and children who grow up without fathers are more likely to have behavioral and physical issues,” she said.

The bill comes as part of the Providing for Life Act, a package of new and existing legislation launched in May 2022 by Mr. Rubio to “provide comprehensive support for pregnant and new moms,” making it easier for them to reject abortion in favor of giving birth.

“Ensuring fathers are financially responsible for their child — both in the womb and once born — is an important step toward engaging fathers in family life so more children can grow up in happy and healthy homes and go on to be productive members of society,” Ms. Hinson said.

The legislation would amend the Social Security Act to require biological dads to cover at least half the prenatal and childbirth expenses, “provided the mother requests payment of such support.”