Congressman Horsford Introduces Legislation to Protect the Right to Safe, Legal Abortion | Congressman Steven Horsford
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Congressman Horsford Introduces Legislation to Protect the Right to Safe, Legal Abortion

June 8, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) introduced the Women's Health Protection Act, legislation that would ensure equal access to abortion and prevent states from imposing medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion care.

"Every pregnant person deserves the right to safe, accessible reproductive care, no matter where they live," said Congressman Steven Horsford. "When abortion rights are threatened, low-income, rural, and communities of color suffer the most. I'm glad to introduce the Women's Health Protection Act, which would safeguard the protections of Roe v. Wade and prevent state and local governments from enacting onerous barriers to care."

"Nevada has stepped up to protect access to reproductive care, but abortion rights are under attack across the country like never before," said Silver State Equality State Director André C. Wade. "We urge Congress to pass the Women's Health Protection Act and ensure that ALL people — including the LGBTQ+ community — have access to abortion and other essential reproductive healthcare. Thank you to Congressman Horsford for cosponsoring this important legislation."

"2021 has already been one of the most hostile years on record for abortion rights and access in state legislatures across the country, and with the Supreme Court agreeing to hear a case in the fall that has the potential to overturn Roe v. Wade, legislation like the Women's Health Protection Act has never been more vital to protecting the critical abortion care millions of Americans rely on to live happy, healthy lives. Planned Parenthood Votes Nevada thanks Congressman Steven Horsford for leading the charge in reintroducing this vital legislation. As we recoup as a nation from a global pandemic, one thing is clear, we need more access to vital health care, not less." said Lindsey Harmon, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Votes Nevada.

The Women's Health Protection Act would establish a right for health care providers to provide abortion care, and a corresponding right for pregnant people to receive an abortion without medically unnecessary barriers. The bill would protect against some of the most common tactics intended to limit women's access to care, including:

  • Mandatory medical procedures (e.g. unnecessary ultrasounds)
  • Medically inaccurate counseling
  • Required waiting periods or multiple unnecessary visits to health care facilities
  • Restrictions on abortion telemedicine

The full text of the bill can be found here.

MEDIA CONTACT
Geneva Kropper | geneva.kropper@mail.house.gov | 202-849-0251