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Reproductive Freedom for All Act

3/12/2024, 4:06 AM

Congressional Summary of S 4688

Reproductive Freedom for All Act

This bill establishes a general right of all persons to make certain reproductive decisions without undue government interference.

It specifically provides statutory authority for the Supreme Court's prior holdings in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey. In Roe, the Court held that the Constitution protects a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy. In Casey, the Court reaffirmed this holding and additionally held that state abortion regulations may not place a substantial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking an abortion before fetal viability (i.e., an undue burden). However, a state may (1) restrict abortions after viability, except when a pregnancy endangers the life or health of the woman; and (2) enact regulations to further the health or safety of a woman seeking an abortion, except for unnecessary health regulations that present a substantial obstacle to a woman seeking an abortion.

Additionally, the bill provides statutory authority for the Court's holdings in Griswold v. Connecticut (the right of married couples to obtain contraception), Eisenstadt v. Baird (the right of single persons to obtain contraception), Carey v. Population Services International (the right of minors to obtain contraception), and Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt (that certain state restrictions on abortion facilities and providers created an undue burden).

The bill allows the Department of Justice or any person adversely affected by a state law that violates this bill to seek injunctive relief. It also specifies that the bill does not affect laws regarding conscience protection.

Current Status of Bill S 4688

Bill S 4688 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since August 1, 2022. Bill S 4688 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the Senate on August 1, 2022.  Bill S 4688's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3806-3808) as of August 1, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 4688

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
3
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 4688

Primary Policy Focus

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Potential Impact Areas

- Civil actions and liability
- Family planning and birth control
- Legal fees and court costs
- Sex and reproductive health
- Women's health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 4688

Reproductive Freedom for All Act
Reproductive Freedom for All Act
A bill to guarantee that Americans have the freedom to make certain reproductive decisions without undue government interference.

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