## Legislative bill overview

The bill S.103, titled the "Women’s Health Protection Act of 2023," seeks to safeguard the right to access abortion services nationwide. It aims to codify the protections previously established under Roe v. Wade, ensuring that individuals have the right to make decisions about their reproductive health free from undue restrictions. The bill prohibits states from imposing bans on abortion prior to fetal viability and limits the imposition of medically unnecessary requirements that could obstruct access to abortion services.

## Why is this important

This legislation is crucial in the context of ongoing state-level restrictions and bans on abortion that have escalated following the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. By establishing a federal standard for reproductive rights, the bill seeks to protect individuals from the patchwork of laws that can vary significantly from one state to another. It is positioned as a necessary measure to ensure that reproductive health care remains accessible and that individuals retain autonomy over their own bodies.

## Potential points of contention

• Opposition from conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups who argue that the bill undermines states' rights to regulate health care.


• Concerns over potential backlash from constituents in states where abortion is heavily restricted, which could impact future elections.


• Debate over the ethical implications surrounding late-term abortions and the definition of fetal viability.


• Potential legal challenges that could arise even if the bill is passed, particularly regarding its compatibility with existing state laws.


• Questions on the allocation of federal resources to enforce the provisions of the bill.