U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama introduced a bill today that would require child support throughout pregnancy and create a clearinghouse of adoption and anti-abortion pregnancy crisis centers to combat decreasing birth rates.

Britt introduced the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed Act (MOMS Act) alongside co-sponsors Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) and Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). Britt said the bill is an effort to strengthen support for pregnant women and new moms.

“This legislation is further evidence that you can absolutely be pro-life, pro-woman, and pro-family at the same time,” Britt said. “The MOMS Act advances a comprehensive culture of life, grows and strengthens families, and ensures moms have the opportunities and resources needed so they and their children can thrive and live their American Dreams.”

The bill comes amid a decline in birth rates in the United States. Only 3.6 million babies were born in 2023, the lowest number since 1979, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In a press release, Britt said she introduced her bill to support pregnant women and moms to reverse that decline. One major component would require states to extend child support obligations during pregnancy.

The bill would also boost support for pregnancy crisis centers by creating a clearinghouse called Pregnancy.gov with those centers and a list of adoption resources. These nonprofit clinics often offer free pregnancy tests and supplies for pregnant women. Critics have said they provide inaccurate medical information to dissuade women from seeking abortions.

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Alabama banned abortion except in cases where the mother’s life was in danger. Two dozen states have now banned or restricted access to abortion following the ruling.

Abortion restrictions have proved unpopular among many younger and female voters and the issue has emerged as a weak spot for GOP politicians.

Britt has advocated anti-abortion positions and was endorsed by National Right to Life in her 2022 campaign. However, she has taken more moderate positions than some conservative lawmakers on issues such as IVF.

After the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos had the same legal status as children, Britt pushed for continued access to fertility care. Britt joined Democratic Sen. Laphonza Butler of California in introducing legislation to increase federal support for research into maternal mortality.

In Alabama, three hospitals closed labor and delivery units last year. Rural areas have been hit particularly hard by the loss of obstetrical services. Britt’s bill would create grants and other support for telehealth services geared toward pregnant women in rural areas.

Robin Marty, an advocate for abortion access who also runs the West Alabama Women’s Center in Tuscaloosa, said Britt’s constituents would benefit more from expansion of Medicaid than increasing support for crisis pregnancy centers.

Alabama is one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid to cover low-income residents. Although the program pays for almost half the births in Alabama, women lose coverage one year after delivery and must reapply when they become pregnant again.

“Alabama lost three labor and delivery wards in the last 12 months, and dumping federal grant money into pregnancy resource centers so there is more funding for diapers and formula after birth isn’t going to fix that medical gap,” Marty said in an email.