hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Bans 'birthing person' in official government documents.
Mrs. Biggs (R-SC) and 16 co-sponsors.
Introduced in the House, referred to committee.
This bill, called the 'Protecting Motherhood Act,' was introduced by Representative Nancy Mace (Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina) and several co-sponsors. It proposes to prevent federal agencies from using the term 'birthing person' in official documents and instead promotes terms like 'female,' 'mother,' or 'woman.' The bill defines these terms specifically based on biological sex. It is currently in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, meaning it is under review before any potential vote by the full House.
Introduced Jan 23, 2026
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 23, 2026. It has been referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. For the bill to move forward, the committee must consider it, potentially make changes, and then vote to send it to the full House for a floor vote. If it passes the House, it would then go to the Senate for consideration, and eventually to the President to be signed into law.
If enacted, federal agencies would be legally prohibited from using 'birthing person' or similar variations in any official document, including regulations, forms, and communications. Instead, these agencies would be directed to use terms such as 'female,' 'mother,' 'pregnant female,' 'pregnant woman,' or 'woman.' The bill also establishes specific legal definitions for 'female,' 'mother,' 'pregnant female,' and 'pregnant woman,' generally defining 'female' as a person belonging, at conception, to the sex that produces the large reproductive cell.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue this bill clarifies language in official government documents by using traditional terms for those who are pregnant or are mothers.
Critics Say
Critics might argue that prohibiting the term 'birthing person' excludes some individuals or limits inclusive language in federal communications.
Those in favor of the bill believe that using terms like 'mother' and 'woman' maintains clarity and traditional understanding in government communication regarding pregnancy and parenthood. They emphasize the biological definitions outlined in the bill. Opponents of such measures typically advocate for the use of terms like 'birthing person' to be more inclusive of all individuals who can become pregnant, regardless of their gender identity, ensuring that government language reflects a broader range of experiences.