POWER TO DECIDE APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE WOMEN’S HEALTH PROTECTION ACT OF 2021

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives in a 218-211 vote passed the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021, which would create federal safeguard against statutory bans and medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion care. 

In response, Power to Decide, CEO, Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley issued the following statement:

“We thank our Congressional champions for spearheading and passing this critical legislation that protects against restrictions that hinder people’s ability to decide if, when and under what circumstances to have a child.  

“For years, states have required unnecessary ultrasounds, biased abortion counseling and adherence to long waiting periods in order to impede a person from getting the abortion care they need. States have also sought to ban abortion care in violation of Roe v. Wade. These laws are not medically necessary for any reason and instead harm people’s reproductive wellbeing. 

“While these laws present significant challenges for some, for many they present barriers that make abortion care impossible to access. In fact, these laws disproportionately harm people who already face systemic barriers to accessing health care including people of color, people living in rural areas and those working to make ends meet. 

“In step with these efforts, the recently enacted Texas law bans abortion care after six weeks of pregnancy. This is often before many people know they are pregnant. Unfortunately, such a blatant assault on people’s reproductive health won’t be the last. States across the country have already expressed their interest to introduce similar legislation.   
 
“Today, we urge the U.S. Senate to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021 and stop efforts that block access to a basic part of reproductive health care. By passing this important legislation, we can help protect people’s ability to decide their futures and live life on their own terms.” 

Power to Decide is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to ensure all people—no matter who they are, where they live or what their economic status might be—have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant or have a child. Please visit us at www.PowerToDecide.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.