Congressman Horsford Votes to Guarantee the Right to Safe, Legal Abortion Nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) voted to pass H.R. 3755, the Women's Health Protection Act. This bill will ensure equal access to abortion nationwide and prevent states from imposing unconstitutional restrictions on abortion care.

"Across the nation, women and all birthing people are facing a dangerous onslaught of anti-abortion laws that threaten their health and freedom. To protect reproductive rights, Congress must enshrine Roe v. Wade into law," said Congressman Steven Horsford. "I was proud to vote for the Women's Health Protection Act, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly bring this bill to President Biden's desk. Access to abortion care should not depend on your zip code."

Since 2011, state lawmakers have passed nearly 500 laws restricting abortion rights. These laws ban certain abortions outright, impose extended waiting periods on abortion care, force health providers to deliver biased and inaccurate counseling on abortion, or mandate that patients undergo invasive, unnecessary medical procedures before receiving abortion care.

On September 1, the Supreme Court chose not to block an extreme Texas law that would effectively ban abortion before most women know they are pregnant. This law is clearly unconstitutional based on decades of precedent, and the Supreme Court's decision shows the immediate need for Congressional action to protect abortion rights.

Laws restricting abortion access are burdensome for all women seeking care, but their impact falls disproportionately on low-income women and women of color. Research estimates show that the new Texas law could increase state maternal mortality by up to 15 percent overall, and up to 33 percent for Black women. The Women's Health Protection Act would protect abortion rights for all Americans, no matter where they live or who they are.

Congressman Horsford was an original co-sponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act as introduced on June 8, 2021. For more information, click here.

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