Rep. Herrera Beutler pregnant with third child

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, and husband Dan Beutler announced earlier this month she is expecting her third child.

“Dan and I are excited to share that Abigail and Ethan will welcome a new baby sister near the end of May,” Herrera Beutler wrote in a Facebook post. “Each child is a gift and we are grateful to the Lord for blessing us with a third kiddo. It will enhance our family immeasurably, which I keep reminding myself when I find it harder and harder to tie my shoes each day.”

Herrera Beutler’s first-born, Abigail, drew national attention as she was born without her kidneys, a side effect of the often-fatal Potter’s syndrome.

Maternal health and access to healthcare, specifically for children with complex medical conditions, have been a focal point for Herrera Beutler’s legislative efforts. Her bill known as the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, for example, was signed into law Dec. 21. The bill supports maternal mortality review committees tasked with examining pregnancy-related deaths and identifying opportunities for preventing said deaths.

Herrera Beutler just started her fifth term this month, where she’s serving as the only Republican congresswoman of color.

She was also recently photographed by the New York Times for a project focused on women in Congress.

“To truly represent the American people, Congress needs more women and moms,” she said to the New York Times. “I’m expecting my third baby since I was elected to serve and it is a privilege to offer my unique perspective as we shape policy for all American families.”