Costa Reaffirms his Commitment to Protect Reproductive Rights
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after he voted for two landmark bills that would protect women's rights and ensure access to reproductive care, H.R. 8297 – Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act and H.R. 8296 – Women's Health Protection Act.
"Congress needs to do all it can to protect a woman's right to make her own fundamental health decisions and access legal reproductive services," said Costa. "It's outrageous that Republican states are enacting abortion bans and passing draconian laws that will punish women for seeking reproductive care. No woman should be punished for doing what is right for herself and her family. That is why I am proud to once again vote for legislation to protect women's rights and access to reproductive care nationwide."
Since the Supreme Court issued its ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson, it has triggered severe limitations or abortion bans in at least 16 states. Other states are following their steps and are likely to pass similar laws. States like Alabama and South Dakota have banned abortion with no exception for rape or incest.
Not only has the Supreme Court ruling stripped away the rights of millions of American women across the country, but it has serious ramifications for abortion providers. California doctors are at risk of legal penalties for providing care and services to women from out of state. Threats from other states' laws should not impact the medical decisions made by providers.
The Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act protect individuals crossing state lines who are seeking safe and legal reproductive healthcare, including those traveling with them, from criminal prosecution.
The Women's Health Protection Act would guarantee a woman's right to access reproductive services across all 50 states, including U.S. territories. This legislation establishes legal protections for the right to provide and access reproductive healthcare, free from medically unnecessary restrictions and bans on abortion, including forced waiting periods, biased counseling, and pre-viability bans. Costa is a co-sponsor of the bill.
###