Bill · H.Res. 65· House(119-HRES-65)
Reaffirming the freedom to decide and expressing continued support for medication abortion access.
- Introduced
- 1/24/2025
- Last activity
- 1/24/2025 — 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
- Josh Gottheimer
- Cosponsors
- None
- 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 reaffirms the freedom to decide and expresses continued support for medication abortion access. It states that antiabortion extremists are trying to ban abortion nationwide by misusing a centuries-old law called the Comstock Act. The text highlights that the Department of Justice, courts, and Congress have long understood that Comstock laws do not apply to lawful abortions. It points out that an overwhelming majority of Americans oppose a federal abortion ban and view medication abortion as a safe health care option. The resolution officially affirms the existing authority to distribute medication abortion under federal law based on a 2022 Department of Justice memorandum. Finally, it condemns restrictions on access to and coverage of reproductive health care, including mifepristone.
Yes· 3 of 7
Would women be better off under this?+8
The resolution explicitly protects the ability of women to access medication abortion and make private healthcare decisions.
Does this make abortion easier to get?+8
The resolution affirms the authority to distribute medication abortion and opposes restrictions on such care.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
Ensuring medication abortion is available via mail helps low-income households access care without travel costs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Affirms medication abortion distribution: Under resolved clause (1), the House of Representatives affirms the existing authority to distribute medication abortion under federal law. This is positive because it relies on a Department of Justice opinion stating that federal law does not prohibit mailing certain abortion drugs when the sender lacks unlawful intent.
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Condemns reproductive health restrictions: Under resolved clause (2), the House condemns restrictions on access to and coverage of reproductive health care, including medication abortion like mifepristone. This is positive for individuals who rely on these health care options and want to protect them from limitations.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- None explicitly identified: Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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+8Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Young Adults+4Good For Hispanic Americans+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Abortion Access+8Improves Healthcare Access+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 1/24/2025
- 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.