Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SR276

Introduced
6/22/23  

Caption

A resolution expressing opposition to the use of State power against people in the United States seeking essential health care, including criminalization of the full range of sexual and reproductive health care such as abortion, gender-affirming care, and contraceptive care, and disapproving of State punishment of people for their pregnancy outcomes.

Impact

The resolution indicates a growing trend among states to impose restrictions on reproductive health care, especially concerning access to gender-affirming services. It points out that over 30 states have introduced legislation that severely limits access to necessary care, which contradicts the recommendations from various medical organizations. The support for SR276 reflects an overarching desire to prevent the criminalization of individuals and health care providers who are involved in offering essential health services, establishing the notion that punitive measures have no legitimate place within health care policies.

Summary

SR276 is a resolution expressing opposition to the use of state power to criminalize access to essential health care in the United States, particularly regarding sexual and reproductive health services. The resolution highlights concerns over the legal repercussions individuals may face for seeking or providing health care, such as abortion and gender-affirming care. It emphasizes that access to reproductive health care is a fundamental right and a matter of personal autonomy, affirming the dignity of individuals seeking these services. The resolution aims to safeguard health care providers from the threat of legal punishment while advocating for patient rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SR276 include the ongoing national debate over reproductive rights, particularly post-Roe v. Wade changes in state laws. Critics of state-sanctioned restrictions argue that they disproportionately affect marginalized groups, violating their civil rights and undermining the integrity of the patient-provider relationship. The resolution's affirmation of ethical obligations for health care providers further exacerbates discussions on the role of state power in personal health decisions, highlighting the conflict between regulatory interests and individual autonomy.

Companion Bills

US HR561

Same As Expressing opposition to the use of State power against people in the United States seeking essential health care, including criminalization of the full range of sexual and reproductive health care such as abortion, gender-affirming care, and contraceptive care, and disapproving of State punishment of people for their pregnancy outcomes.

Similar Bills

MI HB6077

Consumer protection: privacy; reproductive health data privacy act; create. Creates new act.

MI SB1082

Consumer protection: privacy; reproductive health data privacy act; create. Creates new act.

CA SB848

Employment: leave for reproductive loss.

NJ A4657

Creates "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" to strengthen access to reproductive health care; makes appropriation.

NJ S3492

Creates "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" to strengthen access to reproductive health care.

HI HB1343

Relating To Reproductive Health Care Access.

HI HB1343

Relating To Reproductive Health Care Access.

CA AB2298

Parent-child relationship: assisted reproduction agreement for gestational carriers.