Unborn Child Support Act

Child support for unborn children

If enacted, this bill would let State child support programs establish and enforce support obligations tied to an unborn child when the pregnant mother asks. Support could start as early as the month of conception if a physician determines that month and the mother requests it. Courts could order retroactive payments, even when paternity is proved after birth, and must set amounts in consultation with the mother while considering the mother and child’s best interests. The bill would stop agencies from forcing paternity measures without the mother’s consent or using measures that risk harm to the unborn child. The changes would take effect two years after enactment and apply to Part D child support payments for calendar quarters starting on or after that date; the bill also defines “unborn child” and bars demonstration projects from testing rules that would create prenatal support obligations.