DOULA for VA Act of 2026

Progress

Timeline

• Mar 26Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Summary

**What it does:** This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a pilot program offering doula services to veterans. Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to people during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. **Who it affects:** - Pregnant veterans and veteran families - Veterans who may benefit from birthing support services - The Department of Veterans Affairs, which would need to implement and fund the program **What would change:** If passed, eligible veterans would gain access to doula services through the VA healthcare system. This could include support during labor and delivery, breastfeeding assistance, postpartum care guidance, and emotional support throughout the birthing process. The pilot program would test whether these services improve health outcomes and veteran satisfaction before potentially expanding it system-wide. The bill is currently in committee, meaning it's still being reviewed and hasn't been voted on by the full Senate.

How This Affects You