Mississippi Bills Supporting Families Become Law

For Immediate Release: April 19, 2023
Contact: Kelsey Pritchard, [email protected]


Gov. Reeves Signs 8 Measures to Enact “New Pro-Life Agenda”

JACKSON, Miss. – The state that defended the right to pass pro-life laws at the Supreme Court and won in the Dobbs case is strengthening its support for mothers, fathers and children through new bills signed into law today. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has signed eight pro-life safety net measures that will support foster children, improve the adoption process, and provide aid to moms and babies.

In his State of the State Address earlier this year, Gov. Reeves introduced the proposals he signed into law today saying, “This is our new pro-life agenda. I’ve said before, it will not be easy, and it will not be free. But I know that together, we are going to get the job done and deliver the support Mississippi mothers and babies deserve.”

Five of the bills signed today relate to adoption and foster care, including a measure on tax credits for parents who adopt a child. The other bills support babies and mothers during pregnancy and after a child is born:

  • HB 1671 increases the tax credit for life-affirming entities from $3.5 million to $10 million. These entities include pregnancy resource centers that offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, medical exams, counseling, parent classes, financial classes, and resources such as food, diapers, clothing, and financial assistance for housing and utilities.
  • HB 1318 amends the “baby drop-off law” by extending the time that an infant may be surrendered at a safe haven location.
  • SB 2781 establishes a state website to share information about life-affirming resources and organizations in Mississippi for pregnant women and parents who need help.

SBA Pro-Life America Southern Regional Director Caitlin Connors commended pro-life leaders for bringing pro-life policies to fruition:

“The state that restored the right of the people and elected leaders to protect unborn children makes history again today, as Governor Reeves signs eight pro-life safety net measures into law. Through its Gestational Age Act, the life at conception protection that is now in effect, and more policies and programs that help families, it’s incredible to see how much ground Mississippi has covered in the course of a year to protect the unborn and serve their mothers in the Dobbs era.

“We thank Gov. Reeves, Attorney General Lynn Fitch, and legislative leaders for boldly advocating measures that carry out the full-picture pro-life mission to support women during pregnancy and beyond. The impact of these policies will be felt for generations.”

The Mississippi pro-life safety net measures signed into law today are the latest example of pro-life states advancing measures to support families. State legislatures across the country are currently considering bills to allocate dollars for pregnancy help centers, eliminate sales tax on baby items, create childcare tax credits, and support mothers in a variety of other life-affirming ways. Most recently, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice established the Mothers and Babies Support Program to aid women in need by creating a funding mechanism for the state’s pregnancy help centers.

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America is a network of more than one million pro-life Americans nationwide, dedicated to ending abortion by electing national leaders and advocating for laws that save lives, with a special calling to promote pro-life women leaders.

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