This bill aims to safeguard the ability of health care providers to offer a comprehensive range of reproductive health care services , including abortion, contraception, and in vitro fertilization. It defines "health care provider" broadly to include those whose licensing might be challenged due to providing abortion services, and "reproductive health care services" as medically accurate care affecting interstate commerce. A central provision prohibits any individual, entity, or State from preventing or disadvantaging health care providers who offer reproductive health care services that are lawful in the State where provided . This protection extends to those assisting providers and, crucially, to providers offering services to individuals who do not reside in the State where the care is delivered. The bill establishes robust enforcement mechanisms, allowing the Attorney General to initiate civil actions against violating States or officials, and creating a private right of action for adversely affected individuals or entities, with courts empowered to award equitable relief and attorney's fees. The legislation explicitly abrogates State immunity under the Tenth and Eleventh Amendments for actions challenging violations. To support providers, the bill appropriates $40,000,000 for Reproductive Health Care Legal Services Defense Fund Grants , enabling legal assistance for providers facing legal issues related to their services. An additional $40,000,000 is appropriated for Reproductive Health Care Services Security Grants , aimed at enhancing security for staff and patients of providers offering abortion care services, covering physical upgrades, training, and cybersecurity. Finally, the bill mandates that professional liability insurers cannot deny coverage or sue health care providers solely for offering, supporting, or providing lawful reproductive health care services.
This bill aims to safeguard the ability of health care providers to offer a comprehensive range of reproductive health care services , including abortion, contraception, and in vitro fertilization. It defines "health care provider" broadly to include those whose licensing might be challenged due to providing abortion services, and "reproductive health care services" as medically accurate care affecting interstate commerce. A central provision prohibits any individual, entity, or State from preventing or disadvantaging health care providers who offer reproductive health care services that are lawful in the State where provided . This protection extends to those assisting providers and, crucially, to providers offering services to individuals who do not reside in the State where the care is delivered. The bill establishes robust enforcement mechanisms, allowing the Attorney General to initiate civil actions against violating States or officials, and creating a private right of action for adversely affected individuals or entities, with courts empowered to award equitable relief and attorney's fees. The legislation explicitly abrogates State immunity under the Tenth and Eleventh Amendments for actions challenging violations. To support providers, the bill appropriates $40,000,000 for Reproductive Health Care Legal Services Defense Fund Grants , enabling legal assistance for providers facing legal issues related to their services. An additional $40,000,000 is appropriated for Reproductive Health Care Services Security Grants , aimed at enhancing security for staff and patients of providers offering abortion care services, covering physical upgrades, training, and cybersecurity. Finally, the bill mandates that professional liability insurers cannot deny coverage or sue health care providers solely for offering, supporting, or providing lawful reproductive health care services.