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S 4387

Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act

119th Congress Introduced by Lisa Murkowski and 1 co-sponsor

The bill funds a national study and grants to improve maternal health outcomes by linking intimate partner violence and trauma to pregnancy, with universal education and trauma-inf

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · S 4387

Summary of S.4387 — Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act (119th Congress)

Proposed by Sen. Shaheen (with Sen. Murkowski as co-sponsor), introduced April 27, 2026. The bill seeks to deepen understanding of how intimate partner violence (IPV) and related trauma affect maternal health and to promote innovative approaches to improve outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals who are victims or at risk.

1) Purpose and intent

  • Primary goal: Study the extent to which IPV, dating violence, sexual violence, stalking, human trafficking, child sexual abuse, reproductive coercion, intergenerational violence, trauma, and psychiatric disorders influence maternal morbidity and mortality, including intimate partner homicide.
  • Emphasizes attention to how these factors act as social determinants of health.
  • Aims to inform targeted interventions, with a focus on diverse populations and communities.

2) Key provisions and changes

A. National study (Sec. 2)

  • Requirement: The Secretary of Health and Human Services must arrange a study (in cooperation with the National Academy of Medicine, or another appropriate entity if NAM declines) on how listed forms of violence and trauma impact:
    • Risk of maternal morbidity and mortality (including suicide, homicide, substance use, overdose, and poor birth outcomes) among pregnant and postpartum individuals.
    • Social determinants of health related to these factors.
  • Focus areas include attention to diverse communities: Black and African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Alaskan Native, LGBTQIA2S+ birthing persons, and adolescent mothers.

B. Grants for innovative approaches (Sec. 3)

  • Creation of grants administered by HHS (HRSA, with input from ACF, IHS, SAMHSA, and VA) to fund innovative approaches that improve maternal and child health outcomes for victims of violence and related trauma.
  • Eligible grantees include states, local governments, Tribal governments, nonprofits, Tribal epidemiology centers, federally qualified health centers, certified community behavioral health clinics, hospitals/clinics/health departments, higher education institutions, substance use disorder programs with parent-focused services, and VA health facilities.

  • Priority areas for grants:

    • Addressing domestic/sexual violence and mental health/substance use among pregnant persons.
    • Services for pregnant/at-risk/postpartum individuals experiencing violence.
    • Culturally informed approaches, anti-bias and anti-racism training, and strategies to prevent violence across diverse communities.
    • Tribal epidemiology and enhanced maternal health surveillance.
    • Facilitation of knowledge sharing among grant recipients.

  • Authorized funding: $15 million per fiscal year for 2027, 2028, and 2029.

C. Guidance (Sec. 4)

  • Within 2 years of enactment, HHS must issue guidance to states, Tribes, territories, providers, and managed care organizations on:
    • Protocols for universal education on healthy relationships and IPV.
    • Routine screening for IPV and associated mental/behavioral health conditions.
    • Health promotion and trauma-informed care planning.
    • Building sustainable partnerships between health care providers and community organizations addressing violence.

D. Definitions (Sec. 5)

  • Clarifies terms:
    • Maternal morbidity: health condition tied to pregnancy/childbirth with significant health impact.
    • Maternal mortality: death during pregnancy or within 1 year postpartum, including deaths due to suicide, overdose, homicide, or other mental health/substance-use-related causes linked to pregnancy complications.
    • Postpartum: 12-month period after childbirth.
    • Freestanding birth center: defined per Social Security Act.

3) Who/what would be affected

  • Pregnant and postpartum individuals, particularly those experiencing or at risk of IPV and related traumas.
  • Health care providers, health systems, and community organizations involved in maternal/child health and domestic violence prevention/intervention.
  • Tribal communities and urban Indian organizations, given the emphasis on tribal epidemiology and culturally tailored approaches.
  • States, local governments, and federally recognized Tribes, which may apply for grants and implement guidance.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Study arrangement: To be conducted with NAM or another appropriate entity; timeline not specified beyond the study mandate.
  • Grants: Eligible entities can apply under Sec. 3; funding authorized for 2027–2029.
  • Guidance: Must be published within 2 years of enactment.
  • Reporting: The act requires a periodic reporting cycle on best practices (initial report due within 3 years after enactment, then every 3 years).

Overall impression

S.4387 is a research- and grant-focused bill that seeks to quantify and address the intersection of violence-related trauma and maternal health. It emphasizes health equity by prioritizing diverse populations, funds innovative programs, and mandates guidance to mainstream health systems for screening, education, and trauma-informed care. While it does not themselves create new care standards, it lays groundwork for evidence-based interventions and better coordination between health care and violence-prevention resources.

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

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