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A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit treatment of certain distributions and reimbursements for certain abortions as qualified medical expenses.

1/25/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 251

Bill 119 s 251, also known as the "Abortion Non-Discrimination Act," aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prevent certain abortion-related expenses from being considered qualified medical expenses. This bill would specifically prohibit the treatment of distributions and reimbursements for abortions that are not considered medically necessary as qualified medical expenses for tax purposes.

The bill is designed to ensure that taxpayer funds are not used to cover the costs of abortions that are not deemed medically necessary. Supporters of the bill argue that it is important to protect the conscience rights of individuals who may have moral or religious objections to abortion.

Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it could restrict access to abortion services for women who may not be able to afford the procedure without the help of tax benefits. They also argue that the bill could infringe on a woman's right to make decisions about her own healthcare. Overall, Bill 119 s 251 is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about the intersection of healthcare, taxes, and individual rights. It will be important to closely monitor the progress of this bill as it moves through the legislative process.

Congressional Summary of S 251

Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts Act

This bill excludes expenses paid for an abortion from qualified medical expenses eligible for reimbursement from certain tax-exempt savings accounts. (Some exceptions apply.)

Under the bill, amounts paid for an abortion, other than an excluded abortion, are not qualified medical expenses eligible for reimbursement from a health savings account, Archer medical savings account, health flexible spending arrangement, health reimbursement arrangement, or retiree health account.

The bill defines excluded abortion as any abortion (1) related to a pregnancy that is the result of rape or incest; or (2) performed because a woman is suffering from a physical disorder, injury, or illness (including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself) that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death if an abortion were not performed.

Current Status of Bill S 251

Bill S 251 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 24, 2025. Bill S 251 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 24, 2025.  Bill S 251's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of January 24, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 251

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
7
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
7
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 251

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 251

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit treatment of certain distributions and reimbursements for certain abortions as qualified medical expenses.
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit treatment of certain distributions and reimbursements for certain abortions as qualified medical expenses.

Comments

Jeremiah Gonzalez profile image

Jeremiah Gonzalez

488

10 months ago

I am saddened by this bill that prohibits certain distributions and reimbursements for abortions as qualified medical expenses. It is disappointing to see this kind of legislation being proposed.

Madilynn Kane profile image

Madilynn Kane

408

10 months ago

I can't believe this new bill is trying to stop certain distributions and reimbursements for abortions! How is this going to impact women's access to healthcare? #confused #S251 #abortionrights