Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Help Women in Anti-Abortion States Access Reproductive Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and nine of their colleagues in introducing the Reproductive Health Patient Navigator Act to help women–including those in anti-abortion states–access reproductive health care. Modeled after similar programs that help to connect cancer patients to clinical trials, the new federal grant program established by this bill would support organizations–including abortion funds and community health clinics–that make it easier to access vital reproductive health care resources and services.

“While MAGA Republicans attempt to outlaw abortion nationwide, I am proud to introduce the Reproductive Health Patient Navigator Act, which would support essential, reproductive health organizations and help connect women with fundamental health care services, especially in states where abortion is banned,” said Senator Hirono. “It is critical that we protect and expand access to reproductive health care for all and I will continue working to defend the right of every person across the country to make decisions about their bodies and futures.”

The Reproductive Health Patient Navigator Act is supported by the National Network of Abortion Funds, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Center for Reproductive Rights, National Women’s Law Center, ACLU, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, and Catholics for Choice.

In addition to Senator Hirono, this bill is cosponsored by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT) Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) are original cosponsors of the legislation.

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Susie Lee (D-NV).

The full text of the bill is available here.

A long-time champion for access to reproductive health care, Senator Hirono is committed to protecting the fundamental right to abortion care and contraception for all. In July 2023, Senator Hirono sent a letter to the Department of Justice, urging the department to protect the right to travel and constitutional right to interstate travel following state-level efforts to impede women’s right to travel to other states for abortion care. In June 2023, Senator Hirono reintroduced the Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act, legislation that would block anti-choice states from limiting travel for abortion services and empower the Attorney General and impacted individuals to bring civil action against those who restrict a woman’s right to cross state lines to receive legal reproductive care. In June 2023, Senator Hirono also delivered remarks on the Senate Floor to condemn Republicans’ efforts to inject partisan anti-abortion provisions that would prevent servicemembers from traveling to receive healthcare in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

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