Us Congress House Bill HB4281

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/22/23
• Refer: 6/22/23
• Refer: 6/23/23

Caption

Protect Sexual and Reproductive Health Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, HB 4281 will represent a significant investment in sexual and reproductive health by authorizing $500 million annually for initiatives aimed at improving access to care. It establishes a grant program that supports various services, including mobile clinics, legal aid, and comprehensive sex education. This could drastically enhance reproductive healthcare availability, particularly in regions where such services are currently limited or subject to restrictive state laws. The office's activities will include conducting assessments of federal funds allocated for these purposes and soliciting community input on health care needs.

Summary

House Bill 4281, known as the Protect Sexual and Reproductive Health Act of 2023, aims to establish the Office of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Well-Being within the Department of Health and Human Services. This new office is intended to coordinate federal efforts to enhance and protect sexual and reproductive health services across the nation. The bill tasks the office with developing a comprehensive strategy to increase access to sexual and reproductive health care, particularly focusing on underserved communities and promoting reproductive justice.

Contention

While proponents argue that HB 4281 is essential for safeguarding reproductive rights and ensuring equitable access to health care, opponents may view it as a governmental overreach into health service regulation and an unwarranted funding allocation. Critics may be concerned about the implications of increased federal involvement in healthcare decisions historically managed at state or local levels. As the landscape of reproductive rights in the U.S. continues to evolve, this bill will likely serve as a focal point for ongoing debates regarding the balance between state autonomy and federal oversight in health care.