Return of Bill to Expand Access to Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
Article originally written and published by the American Physical Therapy Association in the August 2025 Issue of the APTA Magazine.
APTA and APTA Pelvic Health are advocating to improve access to vital postpartum care, including pelvic floor physical therapy. This persistence is paying off in the 119th Congress: These efforts have paved the way for the return of a bipartisan bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, known as the Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act (H.R.4074). This legislation would boost the role of postpartum health — including the role of pelvic health physical therapy — for Medicaid beneficiaries. The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and Lori Trahan, D-Mass.
H.R. 4074 directs the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to develop several provisions that would significantly strengthen Medicaid’s emphasis on pelvic care for mothers in the postpartum period, which the bill defines as the period of lactation or six months from the last day of pregnancy, whichever is later.
The Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act also instructs the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to develop and issue guidance on best practices, financing options, screenings, referrals, and access, as well as terminology and diagnostic codes. Additionally, if the law passes, HHS would be required to educate and train health professionals and postpartum women on the importance of pelvic health and pelvic health physical therapy.
APTA’s government affairs staff collaborated with APTA Pelvic Health and its Pre-Natal & 4th Trimester Task Force to help legislators shape the language included in this bill.
“APTA Pelvic Health is proud to continue our collaboration with Congress in advancing the recognition of pelvic health physical therapy for women during both prenatal and postnatal care,” said Kim Parker-Guerrero, PT, DPT, president-elect of the academy. “This important legislation will ensure new mothers have access to the vital education and support needed to engage with pelvic health physical therapy, helping to prevent issues that might arise without early intervention and care.”
“I’m excited for the reintroduction of the perinatal bill, H.R. 4074,” said Gail Zitterkopf, PT, DPT, government relations chair for APTA Pelvic Health. “This grassroots-inspired bill will positively impact and enhance lives through ensuring pelvic health physical therapy for those who are pregnant.”
