## Legislative bill overview

The bill S.255, also known as the "Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021," seeks to protect a person's ability to determine whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy and to safeguard healthcare providers' ability to offer abortion services. It aims to codify into law the rights recognized in Roe v. Wade, overriding state laws that impose restrictions or bans on abortion. The bill establishes that no state can impose undue burdens on the right to access abortion services before fetal viability, and it mandates that states cannot impose limitations that would restrict access to abortion care.

## Why is this important

This legislation is crucial in the context of ongoing debates around reproductive rights in the United States. With several states enacting restrictive laws that challenge or outright ban abortion, this bill aims to provide a federal safeguard to ensure access to reproductive healthcare. By codifying these rights, it seeks to protect individuals from varying state laws that could infringe upon their reproductive choices and ensure that healthcare providers can deliver necessary services without legal repercussions.

## Potential points of contention

• Opposition from conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups who view the bill as an overreach of federal power and a violation of states' rights.


• Concerns from some segments of the public regarding the moral implications surrounding abortion and the potential for increased abortion rates.


• Possible challenges in the Senate regarding filibuster rules, which could impede the passage of the bill even if it garners majority support.


• Debate over the definition of "undue burden," which may lead to legal disputes about what constitutes reasonable restrictions on abortion.