Bill · H.Res. 522· House(119-HRES-522)
Recognizing that Adriana Smith and her family's prolonged ordeal without their consent is the direct result of the Black maternal health crisis, the danger of laws that give rights to fetuses and take them away from pregnant people, and anti-abortion laws that continue to harm people who can become pregnant.
- Introduced
- 6/17/2025
- Last activity
- 6/17/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Nikema Williams
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution addresses the case of Adriana Smith, who was declared brain dead while pregnant and kept on artificial support without her family's consent. It highlights the Black maternal health crisis and the high rate of maternal mortality among Black women. The text argues that laws granting rights to fetuses strip pregnant people of their autonomy and the ability to make healthcare decisions. It also notes that anti-abortion laws, such as the Georgia LIFE Act, can chill the provision of medically necessary care. The resolution condemns the prioritization of fetal rights over the rights of pregnant individuals. Finally, it urges states to repeal certain laws and prioritize the health and well-being of patients.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would women be better off under this?+7
It advocates for the autonomy and healthcare rights of pregnant people.
Does this make abortion easier to get?+7
The resolution urges states to repeal laws that criminalize abortion and related services.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+6
The resolution specifically targets the Black maternal health crisis and systemic medical biases.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Restoring autonomy and dignity: The resolution urges the government to reaffirm and guarantee autonomy and dignity to pregnant people regarding their life, well-being, and medical needs (Resolution Clause 4D).
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Repealing restrictive abortion laws: It urges states to repeal laws that ban or criminalize abortion and abortion-related services (Resolution Clause 4A).
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Protecting medical decision-making: The resolution calls for the repeal of laws that prevent pregnant people from having their advance directives enforced (Resolutions Clause 4B).
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Clarifying medical protocols: It urges states to clarify how laws giving rights to fetuses are interpreted in medical settings to prioritize the health and well-being of the pregnant patient (Resolution Clause 4C).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Loss of healthcare autonomy: The text states that laws giving rights to fetuses strip pregnant people and their families of the right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare (Whereas Clause regarding the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990).
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Medical risks due to legal fear: The resolution notes that fear of prosecution or criminalization can lead pregnant people to avoid healthcare settings, which puts their health and the health of their fetus at risk (Whereas Clause regarding fear of criminalization).
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Barriers to medical care: Anti-abortion laws are described as having the effect of chilling the provision of medically necessary maternal healthcare (Whereas Clause regarding anti-abortion laws).
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Impact of maternal mortality rates: The text highlights that Black women face a higher rate of maternal mortality due to systemic barriers and the tendency for their pain to not be given full consideration by medical professionals (Whereas Clause regarding Black women's mortality).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+7Good For African Americans+6
- Healthcare
- Improves Abortion Access+7Improves Healthcare Access+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+6Improves Gender Equality+5
- 6/17/2025
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
Sara JacobsDemocrat · California
Ayanna PressleyDemocrat · Massachusetts