Two bills on abortion rights were passed in the House of Representatives on Friday, the first federal law passed since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
But the legislation, aimed at guaranteeing women access to abortion, risks being blocked in the Senate, where 60 votes are needed to remove the threat of obstruction.
The Women’s Health Care Act, passed with a 219-210 vote, grants women the right to abortion up to the point of fetal survival, usually 24 weeks. It limits the ability of states to place limits on abortion. Specifically, the bill prohibits states from imposing restrictions on abortion providers from prescribing certain drugs, offering services through telemedicine, and providing services when the provider determines that the delay would put patients’ health at risk. One Democrat, Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX), voted against all Republicans.
Another bill, the Safe Access to Abortion Act, was passed with a vote of 223-205. It prohibits states from imposing restrictions on access to abortion services across state lines. Three Republicans, Rep Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Rep Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Rep Fred Upton (R-MI) all voted Democrats.
Lawmakers cited a story that dominated coverage of the abortion debate this week: the arrest of an Ohio man suspected of raping a 10-year-old girl. President Joe Biden cited the girl’s case last week, noting that she was forced to cross state lines to Indiana to have an abortion due to new restrictions in her home state. Some conservative media and commentators initially doubted the veracity of the story until the alleged perpetrator was arrested.
Democrats on Friday cited the case as a reason to pass abortion rights laws amid efforts to pass new restrictions in Republican-led states.
In her speech, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: “In recent days, we have heard again the tragic story of a young girl who survived a sexual assault and who had to travel across the state for emergency health care. Pelosi noted that Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is “investigating the doctor who legally provided the service.” Pelosi called it “a measure designed to intimidate health care workers and have a chilling effect on access to health care. reproductive care “.
Representative Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA) accused the Democrats of pursuing an “extreme agenda”, saying, “I want to be very clear. Banning women from moving between states is already unconstitutional. The pro-life movement does not support and always rejects the criminalization and punishment of women “.
Next week the House is expected to pass a law guaranteeing the right to contraception.
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Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
