MS HB318

Establishes the "Fatherhood Begins at Conception Act" allowing courts to order fathers to provide financial support to pregnant women carrying unborn children out of wedlock, with awards covering medical expenses during pregnancy and post-pregnancy care for at least two years.

Defines "unborn child" as a child in the mother's womb and extends fathers' legal liability for support to unborn children, including prenatal care expenses and medical costs related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Modifies paternity and child support procedures to allow petitions on behalf of unborn children, extends the lookback period for past support claims from one year to three years, and permits voluntary acknowledgment of paternity during pregnancy.

Requires courts to consider support for pregnant mothers in child support orders and grants the Department of Human Services authority to establish and enforce paternity for pregnant women receiving public assistance.

Takes effect July 1, 2024, and amends multiple sections of Mississippi Code relating to family law, child support guidelines, and paternity enforcement.