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Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022

3/8/2023, 8:11 PM

Summary of Bill HR 8297

Bill 117 HR 8297, also known as the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to ensure that individuals have access to safe and legal abortion services without facing unnecessary barriers or restrictions.

The bill aims to protect and expand access to abortion by prohibiting states from enacting laws that restrict or interfere with a person's ability to obtain an abortion. This includes measures such as mandatory waiting periods, unnecessary medical procedures, and restrictions on where abortions can be performed.

Additionally, the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022 seeks to prevent the harassment and intimidation of individuals seeking abortion services, as well as healthcare providers who offer these services. The bill includes provisions to protect the privacy and safety of patients and providers, and to ensure that they can access and provide care without fear of violence or discrimination. Overall, the goal of Bill 117 HR 8297 is to uphold the constitutional right to abortion established in the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, and to ensure that individuals can make their own reproductive healthcare decisions without interference from the government or outside parties.

Congressional Summary of HR 8297

Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act

This bill prohibits anyone acting under state law from interfering with a person's ability to access out-of-state abortion services. (Abortion services includes the use of any drugs that are approved to terminate pregnancies and any health care services related to an abortion, whether or not provided at the same time or on the same day.)

Specifically, the bill prohibits any person acting under state law from preventing, restricting, impeding, or retaliating against

  • health care providers who provide legal abortion services to out-of-state residents,
  • any person or entity who helps health care providers to provide such services,
  • any person who travels to another state to obtain such services,
  • any person or entity who helps another person travel to another state to obtain such services, or
  • the movement in interstate commerce of drugs that are approved to terminate pregnancies.

The Department of Justice may enforce this bill through civil actions; the bill also establishes a private right of action for violations.

Current Status of Bill HR 8297

Bill HR 8297 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since July 18, 2022. Bill HR 8297 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 7, 2022.  Bill HR 8297's most recent activity was Received in the Senate. as of July 18, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 8297

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
364
Democrat Cosponsors
364
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 8297

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Abortion
- Civil actions and liability
- Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
- Drug therapy
- Health care coverage and access
- Health personnel
- Right of privacy
- Sex and reproductive health
- Women's health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 8297

Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022
To prohibit the interference, under color of State law, with the provision of interstate abortion services, and for other purposes.
Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act
Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022

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