Bill Summary
The "Protecting Motherhood Act" is proposed legislation aimed at prohibiting federal agencies from using the term "birthing person" in any official documents. Instead, the Act mandates the use of terms such as "female," "mother," "pregnant female," "pregnant woman," or "woman" when referring to individuals who are pregnant or giving birth. The legislation defines key terms, including "agency," "female," "mother," "pregnant female," "pregnant woman," and "woman." The Act is designed to take effect 30 days after its enactment, emphasizing a traditional view of motherhood and biological sex in official communications.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Protecting Motherhood Act" could affect people:
1. **Impact on Inclusivity for Transgender Individuals**: The prohibition on using the term "birthing person" could negatively affect transgender men and non-binary individuals who may give birth. The legislation's requirement to use terms like "mother" or "pregnant woman" could alienate or invalidate the identities of those who do not identify with traditional gender roles but still experience pregnancy and childbirth. This may lead to feelings of exclusion and stigma within healthcare settings and support systems.
2. **Healthcare Communication and Policies**: Agencies and healthcare providers may face challenges in their communications and documentation as a result of this legislation. For instance, guidelines or forms that previously used more inclusive language to address diverse parenthood scenarios will need to be revised to comply with the new requirements. This can create confusion and may hinder access to appropriate care for individuals who do not fit the traditional definitions of "mother" or "woman."
3. **Legal and Administrative Implications**: The Act may lead to legal challenges or administrative changes as agencies navigate compliance with the new terminology requirements. This could result in additional administrative burdens and costs for agencies tasked with updating existing documents, training staff on new language, and potentially facing backlash from advocacy groups. Moreover, it may spark debates and legal battles regarding the rights of transgender individuals and the definition of gender in legal contexts.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7235 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7235
To prohibit agencies from using the term ``birthing person'' in
official documents.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 23, 2026
Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina (for herself, Mr. Timmons, Mrs. Bice, Mr.
Crane, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, Mr. Steube, Ms. Mace, Mr. Ogles,
Mr. Tiffany, Ms. Boebert, Mr. Roy, Mrs. Harshbarger, Mr. Perry, Mr.
Moore of Alabama, Ms. Letlow, Mrs. Miller of Illinois, and Mr. Harris
of Maryland) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To prohibit agencies from using the term ``birthing person'' in
official documents.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Motherhood Act''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON USE OF THE TERM ``BIRTHING PERSON''.
(a) Prohibitions.--An agency may not use the term ``birthing
person'' (or any variation thereof) in any official document, including
a regulation, guidance, form, or communication.
(b) Required Terminology.--An agency may use the term ``female'',
``mother'', ``pregnant female'', ``pregnant woman'', or ``woman'' when
referring to a female who is pregnant, giving birth, or a parent of a
child.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Agency.--The term ``agency'' has the meaning given that
term in section 551 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Female.--The term ``female'' means a person belonging,
at conception, to the sex that produces the large reproductive
cell.
(3) Mother.--The term ``mother'' means a female parent of a
child.
(4) Pregnant female.--The term ``pregnant female'' means a
person belonging, at conception, to the sex that produces the
large productive cell and who is carrying an unborn child.
(5) Pregnant woman.--The term ``pregnant woman'' means an
adult human female who is carrying an unborn child.
(6) Woman.--The term ``woman'' means an adult human female.
(d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect 30 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
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