“The Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pat Ryan has introduced the “Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act.”

“A woman’s right to choose is one of this country’s foundational freedoms, and there is no place for government interference in these private medical decisions,” said Representative Pat Ryan. “Yet extremist state lawmakers are restricting access to FDA-approved abortion medication and even threatening to open Americans’ mail to stop the delivery of doctor-prescribed healthcare services. This legislation would ensure that women across the country can access this safe and effective medical treatment. Protecting a woman’s fundamental right to an abortion is one of my top priorities in Congress, and I’m proud to introduce this crucial legislation in just my second week in Washington.”

Medication abortion accounts for over half of all abortion care in the United States. This process involves a two-dose regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol. Abortion medication was deemed safe and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000, and is approved for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Currently, anti-choice extremist state legislatures across the country are attempting to make it more difficult for women to access needed medication. In the first three months of 2022, conservative lawmakers introduced more than 100 restrictions on medication abortion in 22 states. Some states are threatening to open people’s mail, furthering the government infringing on people’s privacy.

Rep. Ryan’s legislation would protect reproductive freedom. Specifically his bill would pre-empt restrictive state laws, ensuring that women can access abortion medication through telehealth and from qualified health professionals and require a report to Congress on additional ways to expand access to reproductive health care.

Congressman Ryan is an outspoken champion for reproductive health care and abortion rights. He is a Member of the Pro Choice Caucus in the House of Representatives, a group of Members of Congress working to preserve, protect and advance policies that ensure reproductive autonomy. Ryan is a co-sponsor of the EACH Act, which requires federal health care programs to provide coverage for abortion services and requires federal facilities to provide access to those services, as well as the Protecting Access to Contraception Act, which bars state or local officials from prohibiting or restricting the possession, sale, transportation or use of contraceptives.

The Women’s Health Protection Act, a bill to codify Roe v. Wade, passed the House of Representatives on July 15th, 2022. The bill now awaits action in the Senate.