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HRES 65

Reaffirming the freedom to decide and expressing continued support for medication abortion access.

119th Congress Introduced by Josh Gottheimer

HRES 65 reaffirms access to medication abortion, supports legal distribution, and condemns restrictions, empowering patients and providers in reproductive health decisions.

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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Bill Summary · HRES 65

Summary of HRES 65: Reaffirming Medication Abortion Access

Bill Number: HRES 65
Introduced On: January 24, 2025
Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on the Judiciary

Purpose and Intent

HRES 65 is a resolution aimed at reaffirming the freedom to decide regarding reproductive health care, specifically focusing on access to medication abortion. The resolution expresses continued support for the availability of medication abortion, which includes drugs such as mifepristone.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes two main provisions:

  1. Affirmation of Distribution Authority
    The resolution affirms the existing federal authority to distribute medication abortion. It references a memorandum from the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel dated December 23, 2022, which clarifies that Section 1461 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code does not prohibit the mailing of certain drugs used for abortions, provided that the sender does not intend for the recipient to use them unlawfully.

  2. Condemnation of Restrictions
    HRES 65 condemns any restrictions on access to and coverage of reproductive health care, specifically targeting limitations on medication abortion. This includes a direct reference to mifepristone, a drug commonly used in medication abortion procedures.

Impact

The resolution is intended to:

  • Support Providers and Patients: By affirming the legality of distributing medication abortion, the resolution aims to bolster the confidence of healthcare providers and patients in accessing these services without fear of legal repercussions.

  • Challenge Restrictions: The condemnation of restrictions seeks to highlight and potentially challenge state or federal laws that limit access to medication abortion, thereby advocating for broader reproductive rights.

Procedural Aspects

  • Committee Review: Following its introduction, HRES 65 has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on the Judiciary. The timeline for further consideration will be determined by the Speaker of the House, indicating that the resolution will undergo scrutiny and discussion in these committees before any potential further action.

Conclusion

HRES 65 serves as a reaffirmation of the rights surrounding medication abortion access, aiming to protect and promote reproductive health care. By addressing both the legal framework for distribution and condemning restrictive measures, the resolution seeks to ensure that individuals have the freedom to make informed choices regarding their reproductive health.

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

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