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119-s-4225119th CongressWALLET

DOULA for VA Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a five-year VA pilot to provide doula services to pregnant veterans through the VA Whole Health model. It would test whether doula support improves maternal, infant, and mental health outcomes and helps reengage veterans with VA care.

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  • Pregnant veterans and families: Would gain access to doula support to improve birth outcomes, support birthing plans, and address mental health after birth.
  • Doulas and community providers: The Secretary would be required to consider traditional and community-based doulas and consult community-based health care professionals.
  • VA care integration: Would expand the VA Whole Health model to include doula services and aim to reconnect veterans with VA care after delivery.
  • Equity and stakeholders: Would require consultation with veteran organizations and health equity experts to combat racial bias and reach groups with worse maternal outcomes.
  • Timeline and scale: The pilot would run for five years and be implemented not later than one year after enactment.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

VA doula pilot for pregnant veterans

If enacted, VA would start a pilot within one year to provide doula services to pregnant and recently pregnant veterans. Enrolled veterans would be eligible for up to 10 doula sessions (3–4 prenatal, 1 during labor, 3–4 postpartum; postpartum sessions may be by VA Video Connect). The pilot would run in selected VA regions and require a Doula Service Coordinator at each participating facility. The Office of Women's Health could recommend payment rates not to exceed $3,500 per doula per veteran. VA would provide technical help, require doula training on military sexual trauma and PTSD, consult stakeholders, and report annually to Congress with a final recommendation on wider use.

Funding authorization for VA doula pilot

If enacted, the bill would authorize appropriations to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to carry out the doula pilot. The bill does not set dollar amounts. Actual funding would depend on future congressional appropriations.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

NJ • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]

    AK • R

    Sponsored 3/26/2026

  • Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA]

    GA • D

    Sponsored 7/30/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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