## Legislative bill overview

The bill S.21, titled the "Women's Health Protection Act of 2021," seeks to protect a person's ability to determine whether to continue or end a pregnancy and to safeguard healthcare providers' ability to provide abortion services. The legislation aims to codify the rights established under Roe v. Wade into federal law, thereby prohibiting states from imposing restrictions that significantly limit access to abortion services. It also aims to eliminate various barriers that states have enacted, such as waiting periods, mandatory counseling, and limitations on medication-induced abortions.

## Why is this important

The importance of this legislation lies in its direct response to the increasing number of state-level restrictions on abortion access, which could lead to significant disparities in reproductive healthcare across the country. By federalizing protections for abortion rights, the bill aims to ensure equitable access to reproductive health services regardless of geographic location, thereby reinforcing women's autonomy over their bodies and healthcare decisions. This bill is particularly crucial in light of potential challenges to Roe v. Wade, making its passage essential for maintaining reproductive rights.

## Potential points of contention

• Opposition from conservative lawmakers and organizations who believe the bill undermines states' rights to regulate healthcare.


• Concerns from some groups about the implications for late-term abortions and the potential for abuse of the provisions regarding abortion access.


• Potential backlash from constituents who may view the bill as an overreach of federal authority into personal health decisions.


• Funding implications, as the bill may require public funding for abortion services, which could be controversial.