No Federal Funds for Abortion Travel Expenses Act of 2023
Impact
The proposed legislation would have significant implications for state laws surrounding abortion access. If passed, HB1470 would restrict federally funded programs from offering aid to those seeking to travel for abortions, which could disproportionately affect individuals in states with stricter abortion laws. This restriction might also lead to a decrease in access to abortion services for those who may rely on federal support for travel expenses, enforcing barriers especially for lower-income individuals or those in rural areas.
Summary
House Bill 1470, titled the 'No Federal Funds for Abortion Travel Expenses Act of 2023', seeks to prohibit the use of federal funds for providing financial or logistical support for individuals traveling to another state or country to receive an abortion. By aiming to restrict federal financial support in this context, the bill is aligned with efforts from certain legislators to limit abortion access and related services. The bill's language explicitly outlines the definitions and parameters surrounding the term 'abortion' and emphasizes its intent to maintain alignment with existing provisions like the Hyde Amendment.
Contention
Notable points of contention surround the scope and ethics of restricting access to abortion services. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to uphold the moral and legal standards against abortion, while opponents raise concerns about the implications for women’s health rights and autonomy. The discussions around HB1470 are likely to focus on broader national debates regarding federal versus state powers in regulating abortion and the implications of poverty dynamics on access to healthcare services, emphasizing the bill's controversial nature within current political and social landscapes.
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2023 This bill modifies provisions relating to federal funding for, and health insurance coverage of, abortions. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions or for health coverage that includes abortions. Such restrictions extend to the use of funds in the budget of the District of Columbia. Additionally, abortions may not be provided in a federal health care facility or by a federal employee. Historically, language has been included in annual appropriations bills for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions—such language is commonly referred to as the Hyde Amendment. Similar language is also frequently included in appropriations bills for other federal agencies and the District of Columbia. The bill makes these restrictions permanent and extends the restrictions to all federal funds (rather than specific agencies). The bill's restrictions regarding the use of federal funds do not apply in cases of rape, incest, or where a physical disorder, injury, or illness endangers a woman's life unless an abortion is performed. The Hyde Amendment provides the same exceptions. The bill also prohibits qualified health plans from including coverage for abortions. Currently, qualified health plans may cover abortion, but the portion of the premium attributable to abortion coverage is not eligible for subsidies.
No Tax Breaks for Radical Corporate Activism Act This bill disallows a business expense tax deduction for any reimbursement paid by an employer to an employee for travel expenses to obtain an abortion, or for the costs of any gender transition procedure for the employee's minor child.
Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the award of federal funds to an institution of higher education (IHE) that hosts or is affiliated with a school-based service site that provides abortion drugs or abortions to its students or to employees of the IHE or the site. An IHE that hosts or is affiliated with a site must, in order to remain eligible for federal funds, annually certify that the site does not provide abortion drugs or abortions to students or employees.
Protecting Life and Taxpayers Act of 2023 This bill requires federally funded entities to certify that they will not, subject to certain exceptions, perform abortions or provide funding to other entities that perform abortions. 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.