Maloney Helps Pass Legislation to Safeguard Abortion Access

Press Release

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) fought back against the Republican attack on women's reproductive freedoms by voting to pass two bills to protect abortion access following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Women's Health Protection Act of 2022 and the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act would enshrine the right to an abortion into federal law and prevent state-level efforts to stop women from crossing state lines to access an abortion.

"Health decisions belong between a woman and her doctor, not out-of-touch politicians. We will not stand idly by while radical, anti-choice Republicans and their hand-picked judges try to take away women's rights," said Rep. Maloney. "Today, the House took action to enshrine abortion rights into law and ensure women can access reproductive healthcare regardless of the state they live in, and we will keep fighting until these critical bills become law."

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Background on H.R. 8296, the Women's Health Protection Act of 2022:

H.R. 8296 was passed by a vote of 219 -- 210.
The Women's Health Protection Act of 2022 Act:
Establishes a rule that health care providers have the right to provide abortion services and their patients have the right to receive such services.
Prohibits certain requirements from being placed on abortion providers, including that the health care provider perform tests or procedures before or after the abortion.
Authorizes U.S. district courts to have jurisdiction over proceedings regarding abortion services.
Requires courts to consider whether limitations regarding abortion services pose a risk to the patient's health or safety.
Authorizes the attorney general, any individual, and any health care provider to bring a civil suit against any government official charged with enforcing a requirement that violates the bill's statutory right to abortion services.
A University of Colorado study in 2021 found that a total ban on abortion could increase pregnancy-related deaths up to 21% overall and up to 33% for Black women.
Full text of the legislation is available [here].
Background on H.R. 8297, the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act:

H.R. 8297 was passed by a vote of 223 -- 205.
The Ensuring Access to Abortion Act:
Prohibits individuals from interfering with access to abortion in states where the service is legal.
Prohibits the interference of a health care provider's ability to provide abortion services to a person who does not reside in that state if abortion is legal in the provider's state.
Forbids individuals from using state laws to impede the interstate buying or selling of any drug that is approved or licensed by the FDA for the termination of a pregnancy.
Authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to bring a civil action against any individual who violates these prohibitions.
Full text of the legislation is available [here].
Background on Rep. Maloney's Efforts to Protect Reproductive Freedoms:

Rep. Maloney has consistently fought to safeguard women's reproductive rights by voting for and cosponsoring legislation to protect access to abortion. More information on those efforts is available below.

In 2021, Rep. Maloney voted for the Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 to guarantee equal access to abortion everywhere.
In 2021, Rep. Maloney co-sponsored H.R. 2234, the EACH Act, legislation to repeal the Hyde Amendment.
Rep. Maloney supports eliminating the filibuster to ensure legislation to protect reproductive freedoms and other vital legislation can get through the Senate.

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