S.125 - End Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Providers Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.125, the "End Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Providers Act," aims to prohibit federal funds from being allocated to entities that perform abortions, provide referrals for abortions, or fund other entities that perform abortions. The bill includes exceptions for abortions in cases of rape, incest, or when a physician certifies that the woman's life is in danger. It stipulates that the prohibition takes effect 60 days after enactment and does not affect existing limitations in appropriations acts relating to abortion.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to restrict access to abortion services for individuals who rely on federal funding for healthcare. Organizations like Planned Parenthood, which provide a range of healthcare services in addition to abortions, could face funding cuts. This could lead to clinic closures and reduced access to healthcare services, particularly for low-income individuals.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in taxpayer dollars spent on abortion procedures.
- Could incentivize organizations to focus on other healthcare services besides abortion.
- May align with the moral or religious beliefs of some taxpayers who oppose abortion.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced access to healthcare services, especially for low-income individuals and those in rural areas.
- Potential for increased unintended pregnancies due to reduced access to family planning services.
- Could disproportionately affect women of color and other marginalized communities.
- May infringe on a woman's right to choose, as established in Roe v. Wade (though this is not explicitly mentioned, the bill's impact relates to this established precedent).
- Could lead to increased costs in other areas of the healthcare system if women are unable to access timely abortion services.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex and contested. Supporters may argue it aligns with the government's power to allocate funds as it sees fit. Opponents may argue that it infringes upon a woman's right to privacy and equal protection under the law, potentially violating the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The bill's impact on access to abortion services also raises questions related to the precedent set by Roe v. Wade, although the bill does not directly address the Supreme Court's ruling.
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).