Senate to Vote on Reproductive Freedom for Women Act to Protect Roe v. Wade Rights

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) initiated a move on Monday to schedule a vote on the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, which aims to restore a national right to an abortion before the third trimester by affirming the protections outlined in Roe v. Wade.

The upcoming vote will mark the third this month concerning safeguarding women’s access to reproductive health care, following previous bills that were blocked by Republicans.

Schumer announced on the Senate floor, «I just took the initial procedural step to place the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, co-sponsored with Sen. Murray and all Democratic women senators, on the legislative calendar. This legislation seeks to enshrine the safeguards provided by Roe v. Wade into law.»

The vote is slated for next month as the Senate prepares for a recess, including a break for Juneteenth, with Senators not expected to reconvene until after the July 4th holiday.

In criticizing Republicans for obstructing the prior bills focused on contraception and IVF treatments, Schumer stated, «Senate Republicans, in their attempts to appear moderate regarding reproductive freedom, have aligned themselves with MAGA extremists when it comes to voting outcomes.»

The bills were deemed by the GOP as overly broad with objectionable provisions, with Republican senators arguing their support for Americans’ access to contraception and IVF, accusing Democrats of fearmongering over non-existent health care threats.

However, Schumer highlighted recent events, including the passing of a defense funding bill with restrictions on reproductive care and Donald Trump‘s comments on leaving abortion decisions to states, to emphasize the tangible threat to women’s reproductive rights.