Akron Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C.—  As the nation approaches the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) joined her House Democratic colleagues in signing a discharge petition to immediately bring H.R. 12, the Women’s Health Protection Act, to the House floor for a vote.

“One year ago, the Supreme Court stripped away the constitutional right to abortion care. Every American should be able to determine for themselves if, when, and how to start or grow a family. That is why I am proud to sign this discharge petition to demand the Women’s Health Protection Act receive a vote. We cannot sit by while obstruction continues to prevent women accessing abortion care,” said Rep. Sykes “This crucial legislation ensures national access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion care for all women, no matter which state they call home. Ohio has one of the most restrictive anti-abortion laws in the nation, and many at the state level are working to usher in a complete and total abortion ban, which is why this federal legislation is so important. A woman’s bodily autonomy should not be subject to the whims of politicians. Reproductive rights are human rights, and every American deserves to make their own decisions about their healthcare. It’s time for action – women cannot wait, and neither should this vote.”\

A discharge petition is a legislative tool used to send legislation out of committee and onto the House floor for a vote, even if the committee in charge of the bill refuses to advance it themselves. It is a way for members of the legislative body to combat efforts of obstruction and advance crucial legislative activity. 210 members have signed the discharge petition. The discharge petition needs eight more signatures for a floor vote.

The Women’s Health Protection Act would protect and expand the constitutional right to abortion by guaranteeing access to abortion care and preventing medically unnecessary restrictions that disproportionately impact marginalized communities.

H.R. 12 would also prohibit state and federal restrictions on abortion care that do not protect patient health and safety, or that impose an undue burden on individuals seeking abortion care. These restrictions include mandatory waiting periods, mandatory ultrasounds, and mandatory counseling, among others.

Rep. Sykes is an original co-sponsor, and joins bill sponsor Rep. Judy Chu and 204 additional co-sponsors of the Women’s Health Protection Act. Read the full bill text here.

Original source can be found here.