Congress has advanced legislation aimed at protecting pregnancy help organizations from ideological challenges. The bill, known as the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act (H.R. 6945), was introduced on January 6, 2026, by Representatives Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Chris Smith (R-NJ), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY).
Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, stated, “We applaud and thank Representatives Michelle Fischbach, Chris Smith, and Claudia Tenney for standing up for women, strengthening families, and recognizing the vital work of pregnancy centers.”
On January 14, the House Ways and Means Committee moved H.R. 6945 forward. The legislation clarifies that states can use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support pregnancy centers. It also prevents federal agencies from restricting this support through regulations or reinterpretations of existing law. All Republican members of the committee voted in favor of advancing the bill; all Democrats opposed it.
Tobias added, “National Right to Life strongly supports the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act. Pregnancy centers often face discrimination simply because they are committed to protecting unborn life. The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act makes clear that states may support pregnancy centers without fear of federal interference, ensuring that women are not denied access to real help and meaningful alternatives.”
The bill proposes amendments to Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act to state explicitly that federal law cannot be used to prevent states from directing TANF funds toward pregnancy centers. It defines these centers as organizations offering services such as pregnancy testing, prenatal education, parenting education, relationship counseling, and material assistance like diapers or baby clothes.
House leadership is expected to bring H.R. 6945 to a floor vote this week. If approved by the House, it will proceed to the Senate.
Chris Smith is currently serving in Congress representing New Jersey’s 4th district since 1981 after succeeding Frank Thompson. Born in Rahway in 1953, Smith resides in Manchester Township and graduated from The College of New Jersey with a BS in 1975.
The National Right to Life’s scorecard letter regarding this legislation is available online.
The original article was published on January 19, 2026 at https://www.lifenews.com/2026/01/19/house-republicans-advance-bill-to-protect-pro-life-pregnancy-centers/
