Booker, Murkowski Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Pregnant Veterans Critical Access to Doula Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to create a five-year pilot program providing doula services to pregnant veterans. TheDelivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2026 (DOULA Act) would integrate doula care into the VA's Whole Health Model, ensuring veterans-including those navigating military sexual trauma or PTSD-receive continuous physical, emotional, and informational support throughout pregnancy and postpartum. By expanding access to trained doulas, the bill seeks to improve maternal and infant outcomes, strengthen women's autonomy in developing birthing plans, and deepen engagement with the VA after childbirth. The legislation was inspired by Senator Booker's 2018 Veterans Day roundtable with female veterans.

"Pregnant veterans face unique challenges, especially when it comes to mental health, and studies show that doulas can help provide better health outcomes because they are trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy and after birth," said Senator Booker. "This bipartisan legislation will expand access to doulas through the VA and give veterans the support they need for safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes for both mothers and their children."

"This legislation embraces a holistic approach to improving maternal health for those who have served our country, particularly for those who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder," said Senator Murkowski."The development of this program to provide doulas to pregnant veterans builds on the work I've done to improve the services that the VA offers that are tailored to women veterans, and to build stronger support systems for them."

"As more women veterans turn to the VA for their health care, it is essential that the department's services evolve to meet their needs. DAV proudly supports the DOULA for VA Act because it recognizes that comprehensive maternal health care for veterans must include access to trained doulas who can provide critical physical, emotional and informational support before, during and after childbirth. Doulas have been shown to improve birth outcomes, reduce complications and help address disparities in maternal care-particularly for those who may face higher risks or barriers to access. DAV thanks Sen. Booker and Sen. Murkowski for their leadership in introducing this important legislation that helps ensure women veterans receive the high-quality, patient-centered care they have earned through their service," said Naomi Mathis, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Deputy National Legislative Director.

"The VFW supports the DOULA for VA Act of 2026, which would expand access to doula services for pregnant and postpartum women veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Women veterans deserve timely, comprehensive, and patient-centered maternity care, including continuous support during pregnancy and childbirth. Integrating doulas into VA maternity care would strengthen care coordination, improve patient experiences, and address disparities in maternal health outcomes. The VFW thanks Senator Booker for introducing this important legislation and looks forward to its swift passage into law," said Meggan Colemand, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Legislative Service Associate Director.

The U.S. maternal mortality rate continues to be the highest among high income countries , and pregnant veterans face even greater risks. A 2010 study found veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan were twice as likely to experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia during pregnancy. Evidence shows doulas-trained to provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support-improve birth outcomes.

The DOULA Act would give eligible veterans up to 10 doula care sessions from providers trained in military sexual trauma and PTSD, supported by Doula Service Coordinators at participating VA facilities. The bill aims to strengthen maternal, mental health, and infant outcomes; integrate doula care into the VA's Whole Health Model; improve women's maternity care experiences and autonomy; and increase post-birth engagement with the VA. It is endorsed by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Service Women's Action Network (SWAN), and YWCA Northern New Jersey .

To read the full text of the bill, click here.