- The House of Representatives on Friday passed two bills that would protect abortion rights.
- The votes split largely along party lines, passing in the Democrat-led House.
- The Women's Health Protection Act and Ensuring Access to Abortion Act will now move to the Senate.
The Democrat-led House of Representatives on Friday voted to advance two bills that would federally protect abortion rights, three weeks after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
The Women's Health Protection Act, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Judy Chu of California, passed in a 219 to 210 vote largely along party lines. Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas joined Republican representatives in opposing the bill which "prohibits governmental restrictions on the provision of, and access to, abortion services."
Similarly, the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Lizzie Fletcher of Texas, advanced in a 223 to 205 vote. Michigan Republican Rep. Fred Upton and Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger joined Democrats in supporting the bill. The Ensuring Access to Abortion Act would protect the right of women to travel across state lines for reproductive care.
The advancement of both bills comes nearly a month following the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court, as access to abortion has been restricted in more than a dozen states. Lawmakers have faced increasing pressure to implement federal abortion protections as Republican-controlled states have advanced laws banning abortions even in cases of rape, incest, and medical emergency.
Both bills will proceed to the Senate.