FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 18, 2022
Contact: Audrey Sandusky, asandusky@nfprha.org 

Senate Must Pass Women’s Health Protection Act 

Washington, DC – NFPRHA is calling on the Senate to protect access to abortion by passing the Women’s Health Protection Act, landmark legislation that guarantees all people the right to access abortion care in this country – no matter where they live. The House passed the bill in September 2021 and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer filed cloture on the bill last night. The following is a statement from Audrey Sandusky, senior director of Policy & Communications at the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA).

“With the right to access abortion facing an existential threat in this country, we urge the Senate to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), proactive legislation that would protect the right to abortion care nationwide. This bill is in direct response to the crisis in abortion access that has been unfolding for the past decade and has accelerated in the past year. For nearly six months, people across Texas have been denied their constitutional right to abortion care, and access may be cut off in dozens of other states when the Supreme Court rules in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. It is imperative the Senate follow the House’s lead and act now.  

“Abortion bans fall hardest on people who already experience systemic injustices and inequities, including Black, Indigenous, and other people of color; young people; and people working to make ends meet. Passage of WHPA will represent a critical step toward achieving reproductive freedom and equity for millions. NFPRHA is pleased the bill will be brought to the Senate floor and urges each Senator to vote yes on the bill.” 

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NFPRHA is a membership organization representing publicly funded family planning providers and administrators nationwide. NFPRHA advances and elevates the importance of family planning in the nation’s health care system and promotes and supports the work of family planning providers and administrators, especially those in the safety net. For more information, visit nationalfamilyplanning.org.