House measure introduced by Rep. Moore focuses on maternal outcomes and intimate partner violence

A bill recently introduced in the U.S. House by Rep. Gwen Moore seeks to explore and mitigate the connections between intimate partner violence and maternal health, placing special emphasis on impacts across different communities, according to the U.S. Congress.

H.R.8521 was submitted during the regular session of the 119th Congress on April 27, 2026. The following summary draws on the bill’s full text and has been interpreted to clarify key details.

Essentially, the measure directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work with the National Academy of Medicine to examine how intimate partner violence and trauma—including domestic abuse and sexual assault—influence both mental and physical health for pregnant and postpartum individuals. The research will focus on diverse communities. The bill also sets up grant funding for the development of new healthcare strategies to boost maternal and child health outcomes among those affected by violence, highlighting culturally attuned education and community cooperation. Further, the Secretary must issue recommendations for addressing and screening for intimate partner violence in medical settings. Annual funding of $15 million is authorized from 2027 through 2029 for these actions, with required reports to Congress every three years after the study begins.

Rep. Moore (Democrat-WI-4th District) put forth the bill, joined by co-sponsors Rep. Alma S. Adams (Democrat-WI-12th District), Rep. Debbie Dingell (Democrat-WI-6th District), Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican-WI-1st District), and one additional sponsor.

Since the onset of this term, Rep. Moore has put forward an additional 17 bills.

A related bill in the Senate, S.4387, was also filed on April 27, 2026 and is listed by congressional records as an identical companion to H.R.8521.

Bills in Congress may originate in either the U.S. House or Senate, with the exception of revenue-related proposals, which start in the House. After introduction, legislation is referred to committees for study, hearings, modification and debate before potentially moving on to votes in both chambers. Once both the House and Senate pass identical measures, the legislation goes to the president, who can sign or veto it. The congressional term lasts two years, with each term consecutively numbered and divided into annual sessions. Official records and legislative status updates are maintained and published by Congress at Congress.gov.

Gwendolynne S. Moore has represented Wisconsin in Congress since Jan. 3, 2005, winning election as a Democrat to the 109th Congress and subsequently serving ten additional terms. She graduated from Marquette University in 1978, served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1989 to 1992, and was a member of the Wisconsin State Senate from 1993 to 2004, including service as president pro tempore from 1997 to 1998.