Senator Jon Ossoff is actively working to improve maternal health care for Georgia veterans by launching efforts to pass bipartisan legislation. This week, Sen. Ossoff introduced the DOULA for VA Act of 2023, a bill aimed at providing physical and emotional support to pregnant veterans throughout the childbirth process. The legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a pilot program offering doula services to pregnant veterans enrolled in VA health care.
Sen. Ossoff’s bipartisan bill seeks to address mental health challenges faced by pregnant veterans returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Studies have shown that these veterans are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. By connecting veterans with qualified healthcare professionals, the bill aims to ensure healthy pregnancies and babies for this vulnerable population.
The Georgia Department of Veterans Services estimates there are approximately 93,000 female veterans in the state, making it crucial for them to have access to quality maternal health care services. In addition to the DOULA for VA Act, Sen. Ossoff has been a strong advocate for Georgia’s veterans and military families. He recently introduced legislation such as the MOMS Who Serve Act of 2024, aimed at helping moms in the armed forces access perinatal health care services. Furthermore, Sen. Ossoff has worked on bipartisan initiatives like the Improving Access to Maternal Health for Military and Dependent Moms Act alongside Senators Marco Rubio and Jon Tester, to improve maternal health care access for military moms.
Senator Ossoff’s dedication to supporting military families was evident in December when the bipartisan Military Families Mental Health Services Act, which he co-sponsored with Sen. Kevin Cramer, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Additionally, Sen
