Bill aims to provide time off and financial support for parents navigating the emotional and physical recovery from a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Republican Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson on Wednesday unveiled a new bill, the Helping with Equal Access to Leave and Investing in Needs for Grieving Mothers and Fathers Act, or the HEALING Mothers and Fathers Act.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to provide protected leave for parents who experience the spontaneous loss of an unborn child.
The bill, which Hinson introduced in the House of Representatives, aims to give parents the time and financial resources needed to recover from the physical and emotional toll of a miscarriage or stillbirth. According to the bill’s language, the “spontaneous loss of an unborn child” is defined as a loss “that does not result from a purposeful act and is unplanned.”
Key provisions of the bill include:
- FMLA Expansion: The bill would add “spontaneous loss of an unborn child” as a qualifying reason for taking FMLA leave. This would allow eligible employees to take time off to grieve and recover without fear of losing their jobs.
- Paid Leave Option: The bill would allow for the substitution of paid leave for FMLA leave, providing a financial safety net for parents during their recovery.
- Tax Credit for Stillbirth: The legislation also proposes a new refundable personal tax credit for individuals who have experienced a stillbirth. This credit would be equal to the amount of the child tax credit and would require a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth under state law.
The introduction of the HEALING Mothers and Fathers Act marks a bipartisan effort to address a deeply personal and often overlooked issue. While similar legislation has been proposed in the past, Hinson’s bill is the latest attempt to provide federal support for grieving parents.
Hinson announced on September 2, 2025, that she will run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Joni Ernst. Hinson’s announcement comes after Ernst stated she will not be seeking a third term, citing a desire to focus on her family.
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