The Trump administration marked Mother's Day by unveiling a new government website that steers pregnant individuals toward anti-abortion pregnancy centers. The Department of Health and Human Services launched Moms.gov, described as a portal offering "resources, information and help for new and expecting mothers," as first reported by Autonomy News reporter Garnet Henderson.
Resources and Referrals
The site's primary resource is a directory of 2,750 anti-abortion pregnancy centers, often called crisis pregnancy centers, across the United States. To help pregnant women locate nearby centers, the website links to Option Line, a call center operated by Heartbeat International, one of the largest anti-abortion pregnancy center networks in the country. Option Line, according to a Monday statement from Heartbeat International, serves as the organization's "24/7 contact center connecting women to life-affirming pregnancy help and local support services."
Presidential Endorsement
During a Monday morning press conference, President Donald Trump encouraged mothers to visit the new page, stating, "I encourage every mom to visit this new page where they will find helpful information about addressing clinical care, pregnancy resources, nutrition tips, TrumpRx and Trump accounts." The Trump War Room promoted the launch on social media, urging followers to visit the site.
Official Statements
In a Sunday statement, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said, "This Mother's Day, the Trump Administration is strengthening its commitment to America's families by equipping mothers and fathers with the resources and information they need to build healthy, prosperous lives." He added, "Moms.gov delivers critical tools and support to help parents foster healthy pregnancies, strengthen young families, and create brighter futures for their children. This is how you Make America Healthy Again."
Criticism and Concerns
Crisis pregnancy centers are often unregulated, nonmedical, faith-based organizations whose primary goal is to persuade patients to continue pregnancies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has stated that these clinics "are run by people who operate unethically and with the intention to dissuade, deter, or prevent them from seeking certain reproductive health care options," including abortion. Research indicates that more than 70% of such centers employ deceptive tactics, including providing scientifically inaccurate information, sharing misinformation about abortion care with false risks, and hiring nonmedical staff to discuss medical issues. Nearly 40% of anti-abortion pregnancy centers do not disclose that they do not provide abortion services. While they often offer helpful resources like diapers and formula to those continuing pregnancies, assistance can be conditional on attending church or Bible study.
