Bills · S 4225
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 4225Armed Forces and National Security
DOULA for VA Act of 2026
This bill creates a test program to pay for doula services for pregnant veterans, focusing on improving birth outcomes and providing support that is sensitive to military-related trauma.AI-written
INTRO MAR 26· LAST ACTION MAR 26
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
2BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
tl;dr
AI-writtenProvides pregnant veterans with free access to doulas—trained advocates who help with birth and recovery—while requiring those doulas to be trained in helping survivors of military trauma and PTSD.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThe United States is currently facing a maternal health crisis, and veterans are a particularly vulnerable group. Many pregnant veterans deal with mental health conditions like depression or PTSD at much higher rates than civilian women. Because the VA doesn't usually deliver babies in its own hospitals, veterans often feel disconnected from their VA care team during pregnancy.
If this becomes law, it would provide veterans with a dedicated advocate to help them navigate the healthcare system and ensure their birthing plans are respected. By funding up to 10 sessions with a doula, the bill aims to reduce birth complications and improve mental health outcomes for both the parent and the infant. Without this law, veterans must continue to pay for these support services out of pocket or go without them.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a pilot program to provide doula services to veterans through the VA's Whole Health model.
It integrates non-medical support into the formal veteran healthcare system for the first time.
PROVISION 02
Covers up to 10 doula sessions, including 3-4 prenatal visits, support during labor, and 3-4 postpartum visits.
It ensures continuous support through the entire pregnancy cycle, including the critical weeks after birth.
PROVISION 03
Requires specialized training for doulas on military sexual trauma (MST) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It ensures that the support provided is sensitive to the specific traumas many veterans have experienced.
PROVISION 04
Caps the payment for doula services at $3,500 per veteran.
It sets a clear financial limit for the program while ensuring doulas are compensated fairly for their time.
PROVISION 05
Creates a Doula Service Coordinator position at participating VA medical centers.
It provides a dedicated staff member to manage the logistics and payments between the VA and local doulas.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· New Jersey
YRS IN OFFICE
12
BILLS LED
125
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 100%
DEM 1 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 26
Introduced in Senate
MAR 26
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 4225
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 26, 2026
Last actionMar 26, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 26, 2026
Senate BillS 4225Armed Forces and National Security
DOULA for VA Act of 2026
This bill creates a test program to pay for doula services for pregnant veterans, focusing on improving birth outcomes and providing support that is sensitive to military-related trauma.AI-written
INTRODUCED MAR 26, 2026· LAST ACTION MAR 26, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
8 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
