Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06) has re-introduced the Extending WIC for New Moms Act, a bicameral bill to expand eligibility and support mothers and infants into the postpartum and breastfeeding periods through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs. This legislation extends WIC eligibility in the postpartum period from 6 months to 24 months and in the breastfeeding period from 12 months to 24 months. Companion legislation is led by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (MD). The bill is part of the "Momnibus," a legislative package addressing maternal health across the country. McBath and Black Maternal Health Caucus Co-Chair Lauren Underwood (IL-14) have been leading voices for the package since they came to Congress.
“I had always wanted to start a family and my son, Jordan, was a blessing for me and for my family. I remember how special it was to care for my infant son, and I also remember the challenges that come with bringing a newborn into our family. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you and your child have what you need makes a world of difference,” said Rep. McBath. “Without WIC, mothers, infants, and families across this country wouldn’t have access to the resources, education, and support that are so needed—especially during the first few years of a child’s life. By expanding eligibility for WIC programs, we are taking an important step in supporting our moms and setting this nation’s children up for future success.”
“WIC is a critical lifeline for families that makes pregnancies healthier and safer – but currently, moms can be cut off just months after birth,” said Rep. Underwood. “The Extending WIC for New Moms Act will extend access to essential nutrition and health care through the full postpartum and breastfeeding periods, giving moms and kids the strong start they deserve and improving health outcomes for the whole family.”
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a critical federal program to provide supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum people, as well as infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. The Trump Administration attempted a brief funding freeze on federal assistance programs including WIC in early 2025, which was blocked by a federal court. The proposed FY2026 budget also includes cuts to WIC funding and would roll back benefits that allowed participants to receive more money for fruits and vegetables.
Data on WIC’s effectiveness show the benefits of the program for moms and babies: pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding WIC participants have lower likelihoods of pregnancy-related risk factors, lower risk of preterm birth, and lower risk of low-birthweight infants. Maternal WIC participation is also associated with reductions in infant mortality and improved nutrition and health outcomes for infants and children. By extending eligibility for WIC in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods, the Extending WIC for New Moms Act will make sure the nutritional needs of moms and babies are met, improving maternal and child health outcomes and advancing birth equity across the United States.
The Extending WIC for New Moms Act is endorsed by nearly 180 organizations, listed here.