Florida Health Department launches pro-life ‘Strong Florida Moms’ website

Florida recently made a pro-life resource available for mothers and expecting mothers.

The state’s Health Department and Department of Children and Families launched a website called Strong Florida Moms, which provides women with information and resources on pregnancy, childbirth, adoption and parenthood.

It’s part of a pro-life and pro-family stance led by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“Under the Governor and First Lady’s leadership, Florida is ensuring families statewide have the tools they need to ensure the best outcomes for pregnant women and their children, from pregnancy through the early years of life,” State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo said in a Florida Health press release. “Through the resources now provided by the Strong Florida Moms and Father First programs, Florida will continue to support the lives and well-being of Florida’s families, advancing our vision that all Floridians have the opportunity to lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.”

Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris expressed a similar sentiment, contending that the new website will help families.

“In Florida, thanks to the leadership of Governor and First Lady DeSantis, we are ensuring that parents, especially expectant parents, have resources and information that are readily available,” Harris said in the release. “Through initiatives like Father First and Strong Florida Moms, we are empowering parents to thrive, building strong and resilient Florida families with confidence and support.”

The site includes a wide array of information for mothers, including what to expect during and after a pregnancy, healthcare provider resources, child development milestone information, details on free parenting classes statewide, safe sleep practices, car seat safety, breastfeeding information and child nutrition tips. It also includes a link to the state’s list of licensed childcare providers. 

“Being a mom myself, I know firsthand that having resources to turn to for information is so important,” Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis says on the Strong Florida Moms website. “From the Panhandle to the Keys, Florida moms are the backbone of our families and communities –and we’re here to support you every step of the way.” 

The site comes two years after Florida launched its Father First website to help promote responsible fatherhood; in addition to information about childcare, fetal development and the needs of young children, it also includes tips for how young fathers can connect with their children. 

“As a father of three, I am proud of our state for supporting measures that highlight the importance of fatherhood and the nuclear family,” Gov. DeSantis said in a 2023 press release. “With a fatherhood crisis in our nation, Florida’s Father First initiative will support families and ensure that more children in our state have a father figure present in their lives. It is imperative that fathers understand the important role they play in their children’s lives.” 

The Strong Florida Moms and Father First websites may be visited at strongflmoms.com and www.fathersfirstfl.com.