## Legislative bill overview

The bill HR 708, titled the "Women's Health Protection Act of 2023," seeks to codify the right to access abortion services and to protect healthcare providers who perform these services. It aims to prohibit states from enacting laws that restrict access to abortion before fetal viability or impose undue burdens on individuals seeking abortions. Furthermore, it intends to ensure that individuals are not subjected to discriminatory practices based on their reproductive health choices.

## Why is this important

This legislation is significant in the context of ongoing debates surrounding reproductive rights in the United States. Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, many states have enacted restrictive abortion laws, causing a patchwork of access across the country. HR 708 aims to provide a federal safeguard against these varying state laws, potentially ensuring that all individuals, regardless of where they live, have consistent access to abortion services. This bill is positioned as a means to uphold women's health rights and reproductive autonomy.

## Potential points of contention

• Opposition from conservative groups and lawmakers who view the bill as an overreach of federal authority into states' rights.


• Concerns regarding the potential for increased federal funding for abortion services, which may be unpopular among certain voter demographics.


• The possibility of legal challenges based on constitutional grounds, particularly regarding states' rights and the interpretation of the Commerce Clause.


• Debates around the definition of "undue burden" and how it might be interpreted in future cases, potentially leading to further legal ambiguities.