Protect the UNBORN (Undo the Negligent Biden Orders Right Now) Act or the Protect the UNBORN Act This bill prohibits federal implementation of and funding for specified executive orders that address access to reproductive health care services, including services related to pregnancy or the termination of a pregnancy.
If passed, HB 407 would have significant implications for federal policies related to reproductive health. By prohibiting the use of federal funds for certain executive orders, the bill would limit the federal government's ability to support initiatives aimed at enhancing access to healthcare services, particularly for reproductive health. This action is expected to directly affect funding streams for healthcare programs and services that support individuals in need of reproductive health care.
House Bill 407, titled the Protect the UNBORN (Undo the Negligent Biden Orders Right Now) Act, seeks to prohibit federal funding for the implementation of two specific executive orders aimed at protecting access to reproductive healthcare services. These executive orders, issued in 2022, are designed to ensure broader access to reproductive health services, including services related to pregnancy and its termination. The bill explicitly states that no federal agency may enforce these executive orders and that federal funds cannot be used for their implementation.
The bill has generated considerable debate in legislative circles, particularly among those advocating for reproductive rights. Opponents of HB 407 argue that the measure undermines vital healthcare services for women and potentially jeopardizes health outcomes by restricting access to necessary reproductive health services. Supporters, however, view the bill as a means to push back against what they perceive as executive overreach and an unnecessary expansion of federal influence over personal health decisions.
The introduction of HB 407 coincides with ongoing national discussions regarding reproductive rights and healthcare access. The measure has a strong partisan divide, with its proponents largely consisting of Republican legislators who seek to challenge the previous administration's policies. The potential consequences of this bill extend beyond immediate healthcare funding and tap into broader issues of federal authority versus state control in matters of healthcare.