During the 26th annual observance of National Women's Health Week and on the heels of Mother's Day, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched Moms.gov, a federal resource designed to support pregnant women, new mothers and families — especially those facing unexpected pregnancies or financial stress.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Monday, President Donald Trump encouraged every mom to visit the site.
"They will find helpful information about addressing critical care, pregnancy resources, nutrition tips, Trump Rx and Trump Accounts," he said.
Dr. Stephanie E. Haridopolos, HHS chief of staff and senior advisor, told "Washington Watch" that it has been incredible to be part of this project.
"I can't even imagine doing anything greater than really consolidating what was once a piecemealed information system that has resources all in one place," she said. "It gives you information on where to find support services from the federally qualified healthcare centers and pregnancy resource centers."
The Biden administration, which favored interpretations of "women" to include men and used terms such as "birthing people," "pregnant people" or "birthing person" instead of "mother" in certain health-policy contexts, took steps to limit the use of federal funding for pregnancy resource centers.
The former president generally approached unplanned pregnancies through a "reproductive health" framework that focused on expanding access to contraception and abortion services, and his administration proposed regulations to restrict Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds from going to pro-life pregnancy resource centers, arguing they do not meet the program's goal of preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
In contrast, the federal government under both Trump administrations has supported or allowed funding for pro-life pregnancy resource centers.
There are approximately 2,500 to 4,000 pregnancy resource centers in the United States, and Moms.gov helps women find locations nearest to them.
"It also gives you nutritional facts so you can be the healthiest you can during or before pregnancy with pre-conceptual counseling," Dr. Haridopolos added. "We talk about breastfeeding and how to do that."
She echoed that this "one-stop shop" provides links to Trump Accounts, where parents can invest in their children's future, and it gives links to Trump Rx, which makes medicine affordable.
In short, it makes access to support services, including free or low-cost practical assistance, easier and focuses on "life-affirming" maternal and infant health.
Critics, however, argue that some crisis pregnancy centers linked through the site may provide incomplete or biased information about abortion and contraception and take issue with their faith-based nature.
National Women's Health Week is meant to empower women and girls to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It encourages healthy habits and preventive care, including checkups and screenings.
