## Legislative bill overview

The bill S.90, titled 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 who offer reproductive health services. It aims to codify the legal precedents established by Roe v. Wade and prevent states from enacting restrictive abortion laws that could undermine these rights. The bill proposes to create a federal standard for abortion access, thereby limiting the ability of states to impose burdensome regulations on abortion services.

## Why is this important

This legislation is significant as it addresses ongoing debates surrounding reproductive rights in the United States, particularly in light of recent state-level restrictions on abortion access. By establishing a federal baseline for abortion rights, the bill seeks to protect individuals' autonomy over their reproductive choices and ensure access to safe and legal abortion services nationwide. This could have substantial implications for public health, women's rights, and healthcare providers.

## Potential points of contention

• Opposition from conservative lawmakers and anti-abortion advocates who argue that the bill undermines states' rights to legislate on abortion.


• Concerns about the bill's potential to conflict with religious beliefs and the moral objections of healthcare providers.


• Debate over the implications for funding, particularly regarding public and private healthcare services that may be required to provide abortion services.


• Potential legal challenges regarding its constitutionality and the scope of federal jurisdiction over state laws.