S.Amdt. 6620

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Booker, aims to add a Pilot Program on Doula Support for Veterans to bill S. 4784. The purpose of this addition is to provide doula services to pregnant and formerly pregnant veterans to measure how this support affects their birth and mental health outcomes.

Key goals and changes include:

• Establishing a Pilot Program: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs would create a five-year program to provide up to 10 doula sessions (pre-labor, during delivery, and post-partum) for covered veterans.

• Improving Outcomes: The program aims to improve infant care, maternal and mental health outcomes, and the overall experience of women receiving maternity care, including their ability to follow a birthing plan.

• Increasing Access: The program will be carried out in specific Veterans Integrated Service Networks, including those with the highest and lowest percentages of female veterans, as well as at least one network in a Frontier State serving high-risk populations like American Indian or Alaska Native veterans.

• Coordination and Training: The Office of Women's Health would oversee the program and create training guidelines for doulas regarding posttraumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma.

• Accountability and Funding: The Secretary must provide annual reports to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs and include a final recommendation on whether to continue or expand the program. Funding is authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2032.