Rep. Sara Jacobs Co-Leads Bill to Expand Capacity for Abortion Services
In recognition of the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Yadira Caraveo, M.D. (CO-08), Judy Chu (CA-28), and Veronica Escobar (TX-16) introduced the Abortion Care Enhancement and Support Services (ACCESS) Act of 2024. This legislation would establish a grant program to increase capacity to provide abortion services and other reproductive health care services for millions of people nationwide.
“After the Supreme Court stripped our constitutional right to abortion, clinics in states like California have been overwhelmed with the influx of new patients with little additional resources and funding. Some clinics in my state have even received 4 times as many abortion patients since the fall of Roe. That’s why I’m proud to join this strong coalition of women to introduce the ACCESS Act to expand the reach of clinics’ abortion services and sexual and reproductive health care so they can serve even more people in need.” said Congresswoman Jacobs.
“After the Dobbs decision, states across the nation implemented partial and complete abortion bans—meaning people’s zip code dictates the accessibility and safety of their reproductive rights. When patients who live in states with restrictive laws travel hundreds or thousands of miles to receive abortion care where it remains accessible, it can put strain on resources and clinics in areas like my district in California. It is absolutely crucial that we offer support to facilities grappling with increased demand, and our ACCESS Act legislation accomplishes just that.” Congresswoman Chu stated.
“Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, our reproductive freedoms have been under constant attack by Republicans across the country,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “The women of my home state of Texas have felt the devastating consequences of these draconian measures and how burdensome it has become to leave the state to get critical care. My Democratic colleagues and I remain committed as ever to protecting women's rights to make their own reproductive health decisions, no matter where they live. I am proud to co-lead the Abortion Care Capacity Enhancement and Support Services (ACCESS) Act of 2024, which would improve the resources and capacity of clinics around the country that have stepped up to provide essential health services to women who are denied care in their own state.”
“As a doctor, I never thought that the patients I cared for in the clinic would have their freedom taken away by the government. The interference of extremist judges between a woman and her doctor is causing increasing demand in hospitals and clinics in Colorado. I am proud to introduce the ACCESS Act of 2024 to ensure that Coloradans have the freedom to access abortion services without increased wait times, and are able to provide care for out-of-state patients, ” Congresswoman Caraveo stated.
The ACCESS Act would carry out a grant program to increase capacity to provide abortion services and other sexual and reproductive care in states where abortion is still legal. Eligible entities (e.g. hospitals, clinics, etc.) in states where abortion services are legal out of the permissible exceptions would be able to apply for funding to expand their capacity to provide abortion care to accommodate both their in-state residents and out-of-state individuals coming to seek care.
Activities under this grant will include:
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Expanding the facility to include more exam, operating, and recovery rooms;
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Purchasing medical supplies to provide reproductive and sexual health care;
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Administering telehealth services, including audio, text, and video messaging;
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Contracting or hiring necessary staff and personnel;
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Training programs to increase support staff;
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Creating accurate and educational patient resources;
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Interpretation and translating services;
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Referrals and counseling; and
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Recovery care
The ACCESS Act would bolster the capacity of health care facilities nationwide to ensure that both state residents and out of state individuals receive access to comprehensive and timely abortion services and reproductive health care. The legislation is currently endorsed by the following organizations: Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, Reproductive Freedom for All, All* Above All Action Fund, Power to Decide, Physicians for Reproductive Health, National Council of Jewish Women, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, National Partnership for Women and Families, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights.
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