H.Con.Res.3 - Expressing support for the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women’s Health and Strengthening the Family and urging that the United States rejoin this historic declaration. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Con.Res. 3 expresses support for the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women’s Health and Strengthening the Family and urges the United States to rejoin it. The resolution highlights the declaration's emphasis on women's health, the family's role in society, and the value of life at all stages. It also underscores the sovereign right of countries to make their own laws on these matters without external pressure.
The resolution acknowledges the United States' initial role as a lead cosponsor under the Trump administration and its subsequent withdrawal under the Biden administration. It reaffirms existing federal laws prohibiting funding for abortions, abortion lobbying, and coercive family planning in foreign countries.
Ultimately, the resolution aims to reinforce the principles of the Geneva Consensus Declaration, defend national sovereignty in related policy areas, and ensure continued adherence to existing federal laws regarding abortion and family planning.
Expected Effects
If passed, this resolution would primarily serve as a symbolic gesture of support for the principles outlined in the Geneva Consensus Declaration. It would likely not have a direct legal impact, as it is a concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress.
However, it could influence future policy decisions related to women's health, international relations, and funding for international organizations. It may also signal a shift in priorities if the U.S. were to rejoin the Geneva Consensus Declaration.
Furthermore, the resolution could strengthen the position of countries that share similar views on these issues, potentially impacting international discourse and cooperation on matters related to women's health and family planning.
Potential Benefits
- Reinforces existing federal laws: It explicitly supports the continuation of existing federal laws prohibiting funding for abortions, abortion lobbying, and coercive family planning in foreign countries.
- Promotes national sovereignty: It defends the right of each country to adopt national policies that align with its values on women's health, the right to life, and the family.
- Strengthens international alliances: It encourages collaboration with countries that share similar values, potentially leading to stronger diplomatic ties.
- Upholds the value of family: It emphasizes the importance of the family as the fundamental unit of society.
- Supports women's health: It affirms the commitment to improve health outcomes for women.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for international isolation: Rejoining the Geneva Consensus Declaration could strain relationships with countries that hold differing views on women's health and reproductive rights.
- Limited impact on existing laws: The resolution is non-binding and primarily symbolic, so it may not lead to significant changes in policy.
- Divisive political issue: The resolution touches on highly sensitive and politically charged topics, potentially exacerbating existing divisions within the United States.
- Focus on restrictions: The emphasis on restricting abortion access could be seen as detrimental to women's reproductive health by some.
- Potential conflict with international norms: The declaration's stance on abortion may conflict with international human rights norms and recommendations from international organizations.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution's alignment with the U.S. Constitution is complex. The Constitution does not explicitly address issues such as abortion or international agreements on women's health.
The resolution's emphasis on national sovereignty aligns with the principle of federalism, where states retain powers not delegated to the federal government (Tenth Amendment). However, the resolution's stance on abortion could be viewed as potentially conflicting with interpretations of individual liberties and rights to privacy.
Furthermore, Congress's power to set spending conditions could be seen as relevant to the resolution's stance on funding for international organizations, as outlined in Article I, Section 8.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).