For Immediate Release: Feb. 22, 2023

Contact: Lillian A. Williams, 573-751-0220

Senator Doug Beck Advances Legislation to Assist Expectant Mothers

Jefferson City — Expectant mothers will get help with covering pregnancy-related expenses under a proposal presented by State Sen. Doug Beck, D-Affton, to the Senate Progress and Development Committee on Feb. 22.

Senate Bill 214 requires biological fathers to pay 50% of the mother’s pregnancy-related expenses, including health insurance premiums, during the pregnancy. If the child’s paternity is in question, the father will not have to pay until paternity has been established.

“Since Missouri has statutorily declared that life begins at conception, child support should also begin at conception,” said Sen. Beck. “Missouri must act now to help expectant moms and hold biological fathers responsible for the expenses associated with carrying a child to full term.”

During his testimony, Sen. Beck explained the average costs associated with childbirth average $18,000 total, and out-of-pocket expenses often exceed $3,000, according to the Peterson-Kaiser Family Foundation.

For more information about Sen. Beck and his legislation, please visit his official Senate website at senate.mo.gov/beck. 

###