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S 4879

A bill to ensure the right to provide reproductive health care services, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Angela Alsobrooks and 19 co-sponsors

Guarantees and protects the right of health care professionals to provide reproductive health services, shielding them from undue restrictions.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4879

Bill Overview

  • Bill: S 4879
  • Session: 119 (United States Senate)
  • Title: A bill to ensure the right to provide reproductive health care services, and for other purposes.
  • Introduced: June 24, 2026
  • Referred: Read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary (June 24, 2026)
  • Principal purpose: To guarantee and protect the right to provide reproductive health care services.

Key Provisions and Changes

Note: The summary below reflects common elements in bills with this title and sponsor pattern; the precise text of S 4879 would provide the exact provisions. Based on the title and context, expected core components include:

  • Right to Provide Reproductive Health Care
    • Establishes or codifies the federal protection that health care professionals (physicians, nurses, clinics, and other entities) may provide reproductive health care services (such as abortion, contraception, and related counseling) consistent with applicable law.
    • Aims to shield providers from state or third-party restrictions that unduly impede the ability to offer legally permissible reproductive health services.
  • Protection for Patients and Providers
    • Clarifies patients’ rights to access reproductive health care in line with federal law.
    • Prohibits or limits interference, harassment, or discrimination against providers delivering such services.
    • Potential exemptions or safe harbors for providers who assist patients across state lines where services are legal.
  • Interstate and Cross-Border Assistance
    • Provisions to facilitate or protect cross-state provision of reproductive health care, addressing travel-related access and support networks.
  • Enforcement and Remedies
    • Establishes enforcement mechanisms, including potential civil rights protections, standards for state and local enforcement consistency with federal protections, and remedies for violations.
  • Funding and Implementation
    • May authorize funding, grant programs, or partnerships with federal agencies, state governments, and non-profit organizations to support compliant providers and access initiatives.
  • Non-duplication with Existing Law
    • Clarifies alignment with current federal civil rights statutes, healthcare privacy protections (HIPAA), and any relevant public health authorities.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Reproductive health care providers: hospitals, clinics, physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, and other licensed professionals.
  • Patients seeking reproductive health services (including abortion and contraception) who would be afforded protections to receive or provide care.
  • Healthcare institutions and insurers that cover or facilitate reproductive health services.
  • State and local governments, as federal protections may interact with state laws and regulations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: Introduced in the Senate on June 24, 2026; referred to the Committee on the Judiciary for consideration.
  • Status: Awaiting committee hearings, markup, and potential floor action (as of the latest action).
  • Next steps typically include a judiciary committee hearing, debate, amendments, and a potential vote in the Senate, followed by potential reconciliation with House-passed measures or a separate House action.

Potential Impacts

  • Legal Framework: Reinforces federal protection for providers and patients engaging in reproductive health care, potentially preempting some state restrictions.
  • Access and Mobility: Could improve access to reproductive health services by reducing legal uncertainty for providers who serve patients across state lines or who operate in restrictive environments.
  • Legal Risk and Compliance: Providers would need to ensure compliance with federal protections while navigating state laws; potential liability under both federal and state regimes could arise.
  • Funding and Resources: May mobilize federal resources to support compliant providers and access initiatives, potentially expanding clinics or telehealth options.

Notes

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical provisions inferred from the title and sponsor list. For precise language, definitions, scope, enforcement mechanisms, and any sunset clauses or exceptions, consulting the official bill text and the accompanying committee reports is recommended.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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