S.177 - Protect Funding for Women's Health Care Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.177, the "Protect Funding for Women's Health Care Act," aims to prohibit federal funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates. The bill argues that other entities can provide equivalent health services to women. It asserts that defunded amounts would be redirected to these alternative providers.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood. This could lead to reduced access to healthcare services for some women, particularly those in underserved areas. The bill intends for other healthcare providers to absorb the patient load, but the actual impact on service availability is uncertain.
Potential Benefits
- Redirects funds to other healthcare providers, potentially strengthening community health centers.
- Upholds the principle that taxpayer money should not fund organizations that some find morally objectionable.
- Could encourage a broader range of healthcare providers to offer women's health services.
- May reduce the number of abortions performed if Planned Parenthood is a primary provider in certain areas.
- Aligns with the views of constituents who oppose abortion and Planned Parenthood's services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could reduce access to healthcare services for low-income women who rely on Planned Parenthood.
- May strain the resources of other healthcare providers if they are unable to absorb Planned Parenthood's patient load.
- Could lead to closures of Planned Parenthood clinics, particularly in rural areas.
- May increase unintended pregnancies if access to contraception is reduced.
- Could disproportionately affect women of color and other marginalized groups who rely on Planned Parenthood for healthcare.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is complex. Congress has broad power to appropriate funds under Article I, Section 8, but restrictions on funding recipients can raise constitutional concerns. Opponents might argue that defunding Planned Parenthood infringes on women's equal protection rights, though this argument has not been definitively established in court. The bill does not directly regulate abortion, so it likely does not conflict with existing Supreme Court precedent.
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).