Dear President Trump,

We, the undersigned American citizens, respectfully ask for your support and leadership in advocating for legislation that will make pregnancy a qualifying life event for health insurance enrollment.

Currently, under many health insurance policies—including those governed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—pregnancy is not considered a qualifying event, meaning that a woman who becomes pregnant outside of an open enrollment period may be unable to obtain coverage until after her baby is born. This leaves many women, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured, without access to essential prenatal care during one of the most critical times for health and development.

At the same time, many states across the country have enacted abortion bans based on the belief that life begins at conception, and that the fetus is a child with legal rights. Yet, our insurance policies do not reflect this belief, as pregnancy itself is not acknowledged as a significant life change deserving of special enrollment access. This contradiction is harmful and unjust.

To make matters worse, in many states, failing to receive prenatal care is legally considered a form of medical neglect. Women who do not receive adequate prenatal care—often because they simply cannot afford it—may be reported to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and subjected to intrusive investigations. These women are not willfully avoiding medical care; they are being punished for falling into a gap in our healthcare system, where they make too much to qualify for government assistance but too little to afford private care out of pocket.

The cost of private prenatal care is unaffordable for most working families, and delayed care increases risks for both mother and baby. This is not only a healthcare issue—it is a pro-life, pro-family, and human rights issue. Supporting mothers during pregnancy with access to health insurance is consistent with protecting the life and health of the unborn child.

Mr. President, we ask for your leadership in correcting this harmful inconsistency. Please help make pregnancy a qualifying event for health insurance enrollment, so that all expecting mothers have the opportunity to access the care they need—without fear, financial hardship, or legal threat.

Thank you for your time and your continued commitment to protecting American families.