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Bill

S 4225

DOULA for VA Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Cory Booker and 1 co-sponsor

Senate bill would authorize VA doula support program for pregnant veterans and spouses to improve maternal health outcomes during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum periods.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4225

Legislative bill overview

The DOULA for VA Act of 2026 would establish a doula support program within the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing pregnant veterans and veterans' spouses with access to trained doulas during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Doulas are non-medical birth support specialists who provide emotional, informational, and physical assistance to pregnant individuals and their families.

Why is this important

Maternal health outcomes for veterans, particularly low-income and rural veterans, lag behind national averages, with higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. Research suggests doula support improves birth outcomes, reduces unnecessary interventions, and increases patient satisfaction. This bill addresses a specific gap in VA healthcare services that could meaningfully improve pregnancy and childbirth experiences for a vulnerable population.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and resource allocation: Questions about federal funding for a new VA program during budget constraints, and whether doula services represent the best use of veterans' healthcare dollars compared to other unfunded priorities
  • Definition and credentialing: Concerns about standardizing doula qualifications, training requirements, and oversight to ensure consistent quality across the VA system, since doula certification currently varies widely
  • Scope of VA benefits: Debate over whether the VA should expand into birth support services versus focusing on core medical/psychiatric care, and whether spouses (non-veterans) should receive federally-funded benefits

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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