Abita Springs Republican Representative Larry Frieman believes fathers should pay half for out-of-pocket pregnancy-related expenses. After talking with family law attorneys, he learned that there is no law to help pregnant women recover those expenses, so he’s filed legislation to change that.
“The bill was drafted out of fundamental fairness. I just felt it was unfair for the woman to have to bear that expense and the father gets off scot-free,” said Frieman.
And after the state’s abortion ban went into effect last year, Frieman said it’s even more crucial to have such a law.
“I actually thought it was even more important to go down this road in light of Roe v. Wade being overturned, I said this really brings it to the forefront that this needs to be fixed,” said Frieman
The bill only focuses on medical expenses during pregnancy, because Frieman said there are already laws in existence for child support. The legislation requires proof of paternity.
“I made it very clear that the mother has to prove paternity before she can file a petition to that money,” said Frieman.
The legislature goes back into session on April 10th. To read House Bill 5 click here.
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