Today, the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would create much-needed federal protections against state-level restrictions on abortion, was reintroduced in Congress by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Veronica Escobar (D-TX).
Dr. Jamila Perritt, President & CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health, issued a statement in support of the Women’s Health Protection Act’s reintroduction:
“It is imperative that the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA) is passed this Congress; the time is now. As the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that will challenge the framework of Roe v. Wade and states continue to pass dangerous restrictions on abortion care, Congress must take immediate action to protect communities from these unconstitutional and dangerous efforts. As a physician who provides abortion care, I see first-hand how politically motivated restrictions on abortion hurt people and families.
“Today, over 30 Physicians for Reproductive Health Fellows from across the country are sitting down with legislators to share why we so urgently need protections for safe, essential abortion care no matter where we live, who we are, or how much money we make. We need WHPA because it would put a stop to the state-by-state effort trying to control people’s bodies and lives. WHPA is essential for bodily autonomy, for social and economic equality, and for the pursuit of reproductive and racial justice. Because, as with all restrictions on health care, those burdens are felt most heavily by women, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, young people, those working to make ends meet, and people with disabilities.
We need WHPA because it would put a stop to the state-by-state effort trying to control people’s bodies and lives.
“My colleagues and I work tirelessly every day to make sure all of our patients receive the health care they need in a supportive and compassionate environment. Our elected officials need to understand that abortion is essential health care and respect the dignity and autonomy of our patients. Congress must pass the Women’s Health Protection Act for our families and our futures.”