Bill Overview
Title: Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act
Description: This bill prohibits states from restricting mifepristone or misoprostol that is approved for medical abortion from being sent across state lines or from being prescribed by telehealth. States are also prohibited from establishing in-person dispensing requirements.
Sponsors: Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-19]
Target Audience
Population: Women of reproductive age
Estimated Size: 64000000
- The bill focuses on the interstate shipment and prescription of FDA-approved medications for medical abortion.
- Mifepristone and misoprostol are medications commonly used for medical abortions.
- The target population includes women of reproductive age who may seek medical abortions.
- Medical abortions are typically sought by individuals aged between 15 and 44 years.
- Globally, there are approximately 1.9 billion women of reproductive age.
- The bill would impact access to medical abortion services and could influence the choices and wellbeing of this population.
Reasoning
- The target population in the US consists mainly of women of reproductive age, approximately 64 million people according to estimates.
- Not every woman in this age range will be directly impacted by the policy, as not all will seek medical abortions. However, access to mail-order or telehealth prescriptions may benefit many seeking discreet or remote options for their health decisions.
- The policy will increase access to these medications, potentially reducing stress or hardship associated with accessing abortion services under restrictive state laws.
- Budget constraints will limit how widespread benefits can be within the first few years, although accessibility would presumably grow over time with a larger budget.
- To simulate varying impacts, interviews will include individuals from different backgrounds and locations with assorted perspectives on how this policy might influence their wellbeing or decision-making processes.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Texas)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for women in states like mine. Access through mail and telehealth ensures confidentiality and convenience, especially where local laws are restrictive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Software Developer (California)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While California already protects access, this national policy ensures that women in less progressive states don't have their rights infringed. It's a huge win for reproductive autonomy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College Student (Mississippi)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could dramatically shift my health planning. Knowing I could access these services remotely lowers anxiety about potential future needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Retail Manager (Florida)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important to have access as a choice, even if I don't plan on more children. This policy sets a positive precedent for other healthcare regulations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Nurse (Illinois)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy like this may encourage people to stay in their home states rather than move for access to healthcare—making reproductive health options equitable nationwide is critical.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Small Business Owner (New York)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Beyond reproductive termination, these medications have therapeutic uses important in circumstances like mine—making them reliably accessible across states has broader health benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
High School Student (Ohio)
Age: 17 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access in emergencies or unforeseen situations is empowering and crucial, even if you never expect to need it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Public Health Official (New Mexico)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- National health policies like this reshape the landscape positively, improving equity and standardizing access across states.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Part-Time Waitress (Missouri)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Lowering barriers to access allows me to plan my health proactively without worrying about state restrictions. It's a big relief.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Healthcare Consultant (Michigan)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This step forward for digital health services unlocks safer, more personalized care options for women, especially those in underserved areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $12000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $15000000)
Year 2: $11000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $15000000)
Year 3: $11000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $14000000)
Year 5: $10000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $13000000)
Year 10: $9000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $12000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill aims to safeguard the rights associated with reproductive health and access to medical abortion.
- Federal oversight of state laws will be an ongoing process requiring legal and administrative resources.
- The policy's long-term economic benefits might outweigh initial costs depending on the increase in workforce participation and reduction in healthcare costs related to unintended pregnancies.