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Reproductive Freedom for All Act
12/13/2023, 5:21 PM
Summary of Bill S 317
The bill includes provisions that would protect and expand access to reproductive health services such as contraception, abortion, and prenatal care. It also aims to eliminate barriers that prevent individuals from accessing these services, such as waiting periods, mandatory counseling, and restrictions on insurance coverage.
Additionally, the Reproductive Freedom for All Act includes measures to ensure that healthcare providers are able to provide these services without facing discrimination or harassment. It also includes provisions to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals seeking reproductive health care. Overall, the Reproductive Freedom for All Act is aimed at ensuring that all individuals have the ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and have access to the care they need. It is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to protect and expand reproductive rights for all individuals in the United States.
Congressional Summary of S 317
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.
