House of Representatives Passes Bill Protecting Abortion Access
The House of Representatives has voted to restore abortion rights nationwide.
The vote comes in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
According to the Associated Press, the bill doesn’t have much chance of becoming law because it likely lacks the support in the U.S. Senate.
The House voted, however, 219 to 210 to pass the bill.
A second bill was also passed in the House that would prohibit the punishment of a woman or child who decides to travel to another state to get an abortion. That vote was 223 to 205.
“Just three weeks ago, the Supreme Court took a wrecking ball to the fundamental rights by overturning Roe v. Wade,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of the votes, gathering with other Democratic women on the steps of the Capitol. “It is outrageous that 50 years later, women must again fight for our most basic rights against an extremist court.”
Many Republicans spoke out against the bill, including Washington GOP Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who called abortion the “greatest human rights issue of our generation.”
She also added that the new House bill has “nothing to do with protecting the health of women. It has everything to do with forcing an extreme agenda on the American people.”
But the White House said in a statement that the bill was an “important step” for legislation regarding abortion rights.
“These bills would ensure women’s access to essential health care services, regardless of where they live, and protect the bedrock right to cross state lines for medical care,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “A majority of Americans across the country support them.”
The House bill has several provisions, including preventing abortion bans earlier than 24 weeks, allowing exceptions for abortions after fetal viability when a provider determines the life or health of the mother is at risk, and preventing states from requiring testing or waiting periods for women seeking an abortion.
Related:
Why Christians Should Celebrate the Downfall of Roe v. Wade
I Believe in the Sanctity of Life, but Don’t Agree with the Overturning of Roe v. Wade
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Alex Wong/Staff
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
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