Senator Jon Ossoff is actively advocating for improved maternal health care for Georgia veterans by working across the aisle. Recently, he initiated a campaign to pass the bipartisan DOULA for VA Act of 2023, which aims to offer better physical and emotional support to pregnant veterans throughout their pregnancy journey. This legislation would establish a pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide doula services for pregnant veterans enrolled in VA health care.
Research from 2010 revealed that pregnant veterans returning from deployments were more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Senator Ossoff recognizes the challenges many Georgia veterans face in accessing maternal health care through the VA and emphasizes the importance of connecting them with qualified health care professionals to ensure healthy pregnancies and babies.
With an estimated 93,000 female veterans in Georgia, Senator Ossoff remains committed to advocating for veterans and military families in the state. In addition to the DOULA for VA Act of 2023, he has also been actively involved in supporting other legislation such as the MOMS Who Serve Act of 2024 and the Improving Access to Maternal Health for Military and Dependent Moms Act, both of which aim to improve access to maternal health care services for military moms.
Senator Ossoff’s bipartisan efforts have led to successful legislative outcomes, including the passage of the Military Families Mental Health Services Act and an amendment to expand access to breast cancer screenings for Georgia veterans. His dedication to supporting veterans and military families underscores his commitment to improving their access to vital health care services.
