US Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fl) has introduced a bill that would expand a biological father’s child support duties throughout the course of a pregnancy.
The legislation would amend the Social Security act to compel participating states to include language establishing increased support obligations for biological fathers.
Biological fathers would now be responsible for covering 50 percent or more of health expenses incurred by the mother of the child regarding the pregnancy and delivery of the baby.
Under the bill, abortion would not count as a medical expense to also be shared by the biological father.
According to Senator Rubio’s team, last year nearly 1.5 million children were born to single mothers, many of which receive no support from the child’s biological father.
“Our communities should help mothers as they nurture and raise children, while also holding fathers accountable to stay involved in their child’s development,” said Rubio.
Fathers should share the financial responsibility so mothers aren't stuck with all the pregnancy costs.
Introduced a bill w/ @RepAshleyHinson to ensure biological fathers are financially involved in pregnancy & delivery.
https://t.co/7x6ecSxX9Y pic.twitter.com/7BksQ2ropW— Senator Marco Rubio (@SenMarcoRubio) December 13, 2023
U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced parallel legislation in the House. Representative Hinson underscored the importance of designing laws with the intent of including an active father figure in the life of a child.
Hinson claimed the bill “is an important step toward engaging fathers in family life so more children can grow up in happy and healthy homes and go on to be productive members of society.”
Abortion and related pro-life issues have been at the fore of political deliberation across the country since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
On the campaign trail, Republican Presidential hopefuls have each been carefully unveiling their positions on abortion, with some more firmly pro-life than others.
Governor Ron DeSantis and Ambassador Nikki Haley, the two Republican front runners behind former President Donald Trump, demonstrate the differences of opinion within Republicans on the issue.
While Governor DeSantis proclaims himself as “firmly pro-life”, Ambassador Haley has said she wants to “find consensus.”
