Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1297

Introduced
3/1/23  

Caption

To amend title 10, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from paying or reimbursing expenses relating to abortion services, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will have significant implications for military healthcare policy, especially regarding reproductive health services provided to service members and their dependents. The prohibition on funding will limit the ability of military hospitals and healthcare providers affiliated with the Department of Defense to offer abortion services, which critics argue could endanger lives by denying essential healthcare options in certain circumstances. This could lead to a reliance on civilian services that may be less accessible for some military families.

Summary

House Bill 1297 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Title 10 of the United States Code to explicitly prohibit the Secretary of Defense from using federal funds to pay for or reimburse any expenses related to abortion services. The bill reiterates existing interpretations of federal law, emphasizing that abortions should only be covered in cases where the life of the mother is endangered or in instances of rape or incest. Furthermore, it seeks to repeal a Department of Defense memorandum that had allowed for broader access to reproductive healthcare for military personnel.

Contention

HB 1297 has sparked a range of responses from lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary measure to uphold what they believe to be conservative values surrounding life and reproductive health. In contrast, opponents of the bill, including various reproductive rights advocates, express concern that it undermines a woman’s autonomy and right to choose, as well as potentially putting service members’ health at risk. The debate highlights the ongoing conflict between differing ideological perspectives on reproductive rights and the role of government in personal health decisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB4952

To amend title 10, United States Code, to establish the Office of Strategic Capital in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and for other purposes.

US SB822

Modification to Department of Defense Travel Authorities for Abortion-Related Expenses Act of 2023

US HB4672

To amend title 40, United States Code, to prohibit the Administrator of General Services from constructing or acquiring public buildings or entering into leases based on the legality or availability of abortion, and for other purposes.

US SB624

Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act

US HB1143

Prohibiting Federal Emergencies for Abortion Act

US HB330

Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from awarding family planning grants to entities that perform abortions or provide funding to other entities that perform abortions. To receive a grant, an entity must certify it will refrain from those activities during the grant period. The bill provides exceptions for abortions (1) in cases of rape or incest; or (2) when the life of the woman is in danger due to a physical disorder, injury, or illness. It also exempts hospitals unless they provide funds to non-hospital entities that provide abortions. HHS must report annually on this prohibition.

US HB12

Women's Health Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits governmental restrictions on the provision of, and access to, abortion services. Before fetal viability, governments may not restrict providers from using particular abortion procedures or drugs, offering abortion services via telemedicine, or immediately providing abortion services if delaying risks the patient's health. Furthermore, governments may not require providers to perform unnecessary medical procedures, provide medically inaccurate information, or comply with credentialing or other conditions that do not apply to providers who offer medically comparable services to abortions. Additionally, governments may not require patients to make medically unnecessary in-person visits before receiving abortion services or disclose their reasons for obtaining services. After fetal viability, governments may not restrict providers from performing abortions when necessary to protect a patient's life and health. The same provisions that apply to abortions before viability also apply to necessary abortions after viability. Additionally, states may authorize post-viability abortions in circumstances beyond those that the bill considers necessary. Further, the bill recognizes an individual's right to interstate travel, including for abortion services. The bill also prohibits governments from implementing measures that are similar to those restricted by the bill or that otherwise single out and impede access to abortion services, unless the measure significantly advances the safety of abortion services or health of patients and cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The Department of Justice, individuals, or providers may sue states or government officials to enforce this bill, regardless of certain immunity that would otherwise apply.

US HB5330

To amend title 10, United States Code, to establish a Department of Defense Military Housing Readiness Council, and for other purposes.

US HB558

To amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit certain foreign countries from purchasing or leasing property near sensitive sites, and for other purposes.

US HB4993

To amend title 46, United States Code, to include the replacement or purchase of additional cargo handling equipment as an eligible purpose for Capital Construction Funds, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.