Summary of HCONRES 3: Support for the Geneva Consensus Declaration

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: HCONRES 3
• Title: Expressing support for the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women's Health and Strengthening the Family and urging that the United States rejoin this historic declaration.
• Status: Submitted in House
• Introduced: January 13, 2025
• Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HCONRES 3 aims to express the United States Congress's support for the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which emphasizes the importance of women's health, the protection of life, and the strengthening of family structures. The resolution seeks to reaffirm the principles outlined in the Declaration and encourages the U.S. to rejoin this international commitment.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes several significant affirmations and commitments:

1. Affirmation of Commitments: Congress affirms its commitment to improving women's health and protecting life as stated in the Geneva Consensus Declaration. It applauds the signatory countries for their dedication to these principles.

2. Universal Validity: It declares that the principles of women's health, dignity of life, and family importance recognized in the Declaration are universally valid.

3. Strengthening Support: The resolution welcomes opportunities to enhance support for the Geneva Consensus Declaration.

4. Sovereignty of Nations: It defends the right of each country to adopt national policies that promote women's health, protect life, and strengthen families, as outlined in the Declaration.

5. U.S. Policy on Abortion: The resolution commits to ensuring that the U.S. does not conduct or fund abortions, abortion lobbying, or coercive family planning in foreign countries, in line with existing federal law.

6. Call to Action for Signatory Countries: It urges the countries that signed the Geneva Consensus Declaration to uphold the universal principles regarding the value of life and family.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects:
- Women’s Health Advocates: Organizations and individuals focused on women's health issues may see a shift in U.S. policy and international engagement.
- International Relations: Countries that are signatories to the Geneva Consensus Declaration may be influenced by the U.S. stance and its commitment to the principles outlined in the Declaration.
- Family Advocacy Groups: Organizations advocating for family values may find support in the resolution's affirmations.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

• January 13, 2025: The resolution was submitted in the House and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for further consideration.

Sponsors

The resolution has several sponsors, including:
- Primary Sponsor: Ronny Jackson
- Cosponsors: Daniel Webster, Andrew S. Clyde, Richard Hudson, Robert B. Aderholt, Gary J. Palmer, Richard McCormick, Doug LaMalfa, Glenn Grothman, David Rouzer, Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann, Tracey Mann, Michael Guest, Andy Harris, Beth Van Duyne, Andy Biggs, Gregory F. Murphy, Virginia Foxx, Mary E. Miller, John R. Moolenaar, Clay Higgins.

Related Legislation

• SCONRES 4: A companion resolution in the Senate that aligns with the objectives of HCONRES 3.

This resolution represents a significant step in reaffirming U.S. commitments to international principles regarding women's health and family values, potentially influencing both domestic and foreign policy.