A new law in Utah recently signed by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox is a pro-life step in the right direction. The bill, known as HB 113, takes effect early next month. It requires that biological fathers pay half of a woman’s medical expenses during pregnancy. These costs range from clinic visits and hospital delivery charges to insurance premiums. It is well past the time for this “prenatal child support” to be legally required of men.
Currently, there are only two licensed abortion clinics in the state of Utah. Prior to getting an abortion in the state, a woman is required to complete an education module before beginning a 72-hour waiting period. In addition, parental consent is required by law for those under 18. Already, there are safeguards in place that keep a woman fully informed of the gravity of such a decision with plenty of time, hopefully, to change her mind.
The ideal situation is a world in which abortion would never be considered. This is not the reality, nor will it ever be. Some women truly believe they can’t continue with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. Others face extreme family pressures or feel too burdened by the financial toll. The mission of the pro-life movement is lovingly to encourage these women to choose life.
The goal should also be to connect them to resources that can lighten the load. The point of decision about whether to continue a pregnancy is obviously life-changing for both the mother and the baby. But there is so much more beyond choosing to carry a pregnancy to term. Once abortion is off the table, there is the reality of pregnancy, which is physically and financially arduous. This is why HB 113 is so important.
Biological fathers are just as responsible for their children as the mothers. Unfortunately, women are sometimes abandoned once pregnancy is discovered (or continued) and left with all the costs associated with bringing life into the world. This behavior goes against basic human decency. If fathers are held legally responsible after a child is born, then it only makes sense to apply the same standards to the prenatal term. Prenatal child support is a useful tool to keep both parties held accountable. And if there is a question regarding paternity, the law says it must be established before the father is required to pay. This protects from potential abuse.
Republican Rep. Brady Brammer, who sponsored the bill, said, “We want to help people and actually be pro-life in how we do it as opposed to anti-abortion. One of the ways to help with that was to help the burden of pregnancy be decreased.”
This mentality is not only refreshing but sorely needed among pro-life politicians at the state and national levels. It is not enough to be against abortion. This is understood to be a core conservative position. Being pro-life, however, doesn’t just apply to one moment in time. Without tangible help, support, and resources, it is easy for a pregnant woman to feel overwhelmed with her situation. Reducing the financial load by requiring fathers pay their half is encouraging a culture of life.
The Left often paints the pro-life movement as only being anti-abortion. This messaging, though untrue, can be effective in a world where too many proudly promote abortion as just a routine part of women’s healthcare. Fighting against that campaign and establishing that being pro-life extends well past the determination to keep a baby is of the utmost importance.
Utah’s prenatal child support law keeps men from neglecting their responsibilities as fathers well before a child enters the world. Supporting a woman in pregnancy should begin long before she delivers. The bill is also a reminder that the pro-life cause encompasses more than just being anti-abortion. By requiring the father pay his part, it can help the mother feel less financial pressure during a difficult time. And when she benefits, the baby does, too.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
