U.S. Rep. Lawrence Votes to Ensure Reproductive Health Rights Nationwide and Protect the Right to Travel to Seek Reproductive Care

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) voted in favor of H.R. 8296, the Women's Health Protection Act of 2022 (WHPA), and H.R. 8297, the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022, to defend women's health freedom. Following the conservative-controlled U.S. Supreme Court's misguided and dangerous decision to overturn Roe v. Wade -- and with abortion bans in place in at least nine states -- it is more important than ever to enshrine a national right to reproductive care for women. Rep. Lawrence, Co-Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus, voted for initial passage of the WHPA on September 24, 2021 and is a cosponsor of the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022.

"The Supreme Court overturned nearly 50 years of precedent and has put the lives of millions of Americans at risk. Abortion is a human right, and it is the responsibility of Congress to protect this right, especially as Republicans nationwide are calling for a national abortion ban," said Rep. Lawrence. "Abortion bans don't ban abortions; they just ban safe abortions. I am proud to vote for these life-saving bills and protect the fundamental, constitutional right to choose for women across America. Now more than ever, the Senate needs to pass both crucial pieces of legislation so that women can make the best healthcare decisions for themselves and their families."

H.R. 8296, the Women's Health Protection Act, establishes the federal statutory right for health care providers to offer abortion care and the federal right for patients to receive that care, free from state restrictions. H.R. 8297, the Ensuring Women's Access to Abortion Act, protects those seeking reproductive care from being prevented or restricted from traveling across state lines to obtain a lawful abortion.

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