House measure would tap into existing framework to support Kentucky’s pregnant mothers | Opinion
Pregnancy is an unparalleled experience. It is a period of immense transformation and challenge, regardless of background. It represents a profound chapter in many women’s lives, marked by both physical and emotional stress. I understand this fully, as I am a mother to three children.
Unfortunately, some pregnant women find themselves isolated and without support as the biological father chooses to distance himself from the situation, despite the role he played in creating it. During this crucial period, the last thing an expectant mother needs is the additional burden of shouldering the financial burdens of pregnancy alone.
The current legal framework in Kentucky permits a woman to seek financial child support only after childbirth, disregarding the substantial costs associated with pregnancy. I sponsored House Bill (HB) 243 to better assist these women. The bill would enable pregnant women to initiate child support proceedings in a court of law. This is a simple approach that uses an existing framework to address a major challenge facing pregnant mothers in our state today.
Carrying a pregnancy to term is expensive. The Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonpartisan organization which collects and publishes healthcare data, recently reported that health costs associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum care average over $18,000 for an American woman. While many are covered by insurance, the average out-of-pocket costs still nears $3,000. These figures encompass healthcare costs alone, excluding wages lost due to doctor’s appointments and ill health, as well as items such as a car seat, crib and clothing, all essential prior to a baby’s arrival.
House Bill 243 aims to alleviate these costs by holding the biological father accountable for his fair share. Once the action is filed, if paternity is readily admitted, child support payments would promptly commence. In cases of disputed paternity, genetic testing would be conducted either prenatally or post-birth. If paternity is then confirmed, the biological father would be held responsible for back payments to the date when legal action was initiated.
Additionally, the legislation would mandate the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services to inform women receiving public assistance about this law. The inclusion of this provision is not only fiscally responsible by potentially lessening the financial burden placed upon the state, but also promotes a moral responsibility to take ownership of one’s actions.
House Bill 243 is a common-sense solution to an issue that is sadly far too prevalent in our state. Kentucky’s existing post-birth child support system is effective, and extending it to cover the costs during a pregnancy is a logical step.
For those interested in the specific language of the bill, I encourage you to read it and monitor its progress through the legislative process at legislature.ky.gov. If you are supportive of the bill, I ask you to please contact your legislators and let them know. Your engagement and support are essential for its success. Together, we can create a framework that fosters parental responsibility and upholds accountability from the outset.
Rep. Amy Neighbors (R-Edmonton) represents the 21st District in the Kentucky House of Representatives, which encompasses the entirety of Adair, Cumberland, Metcalfe and Monroe counties.