Rep. Sykes Co-Sponsors the Women’s Health Protection Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) announced she is a co-sponsor of H.R. 12, the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), legislation that ensures that every person in the United States has access to safe and legal reproductive care, no matter where they live or their financial circumstances:
“As co-chair of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, and Member of the Congressional Women’s Caucus, I am so proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Women’s Health Protection Act. This crucial legislation ensures national access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion care for all women, no matter which state they call home,” said Rep. Sykes. “Ohio has one of the most restrictive anti-abortion laws in the nation, and many at the state level are working to usher in a complete and total abortion ban, which is why this federal legislation is so important. A woman’s bodily autonomy should not be subject to the whims or opinions of politicians. Reproductive rights are human rights, and every American deserves to make their own decisions about their healthcare.”
H.R. 12 would protect and expand the constitutional right to abortion by guaranteeing access to abortion care and preventing medically unnecessary restrictions that disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
The WHPA would also prohibit state and federal restrictions on abortion care that do not protect patient health and safety, or that impose an undue burden on individuals seeking abortion care. These restrictions include mandatory waiting periods, mandatory ultrasounds, and mandatory counseling, among others.
Congresswoman Emilia Strong Sykes is an original co-sponsor and joins bill sponsor Rep. Judy Chu and 204 co-sponsors of the Women’s Health Protection Act. Read the full bill text here.