## Legislative bill overview

The bill S.81, titled "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021," aims to protect a person's ability to determine whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy and to safeguard healthcare providers’ ability to provide abortion services. It seeks to codify the rights established in Roe v. Wade, preventing states from enacting laws that impose undue restrictions on access to abortion services. The legislation also stipulates that any state law that would restrict abortion access must be evaluated under a strict scrutiny standard, which is a high bar for legal justification.

## Why is this important

This bill is significant as it directly addresses ongoing debates surrounding reproductive rights in the United States. With various states enacting restrictive abortion laws, the Women's Health Protection Act seeks to ensure that access to safe and legal abortion is guaranteed at the federal level. It is framed as a response to the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court, making it a crucial piece of legislation for advocates of reproductive rights and gender equality.

## Potential points of contention

• Opposition from conservative and religious groups who argue that the bill undermines fetal rights and moral considerations surrounding abortion.


• Concerns over the potential for increased legal challenges and conflicts between state and federal laws regarding abortion access.


• Debate on whether the bill may lead to the expansion of late-term abortions, raising ethical concerns among some constituents.


• Economic implications for states, particularly those that may lose federal funding if they enact restrictive abortion laws.