Schumer Leads Senate Democrats in Advancing Bill to Codify Roe v. Wade Protections

Jun 18, 2024, 03:38 PM

Senate Democrats, led by Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Patty Murray, have taken the first procedural step to advance the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act. This bill aims to codify the protections of Roe v. Wade into law, affirming a woman's fundamental right to choose. Schumer emphasized, 'This measure affirms a woman’s fundamental right to choose.' The move comes amid increasing efforts by Republican lawmakers to impose restrictive abortion laws across 21 states, with some states enacting bans without exceptions for rape or incest. The legislation has garnered support from all female Democratic senators and seeks to counteract the anti-abortion measures and threats to reproductive rights, including access to contraception and IVF. The Biden administration, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, continues to advocate for women's reproductive freedoms, emphasizing the need to protect health care decisions from political interference. Additionally, Secretary Xavier Becerra has launched the Reproductive Health for All Tour to highlight the impact of restrictive abortion laws and promote access to reproductive health care nationwide.