Bill Overview
Title: Reproductive Choice Act
Description: This bill provides statutory authority for certain Supreme Court holdings on abortion rights and restrictions in the cases of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey . In Roe , the Court held that the Constitution protects a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy. In Casey , the Court reaffirmed this holding and additionally held that state abortion regulations may not place a substantial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking an abortion before fetal viability (i.e., an undue burden). However, a state may (1) restrict abortions after viability, except when a pregnancy endangers the life or health of the woman; and (2) enact regulations to further the health or safety of a woman seeking an abortion, except for unnecessary health regulations that present a substantial obstacle to a woman seeking an abortion. The bill provides statutory authority for these holdings. It also specifies that the bill does not affect laws regarding conscience protection.
Sponsors: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Target Audience
Population: Women of childbearing age and related stakeholders
Estimated Size: 64000000
- The Reproductive Choice Act will primarily impact women of childbearing age who may seek abortions, as it pertains to statutory authority for cases that govern abortion rights.
- Globally, the potential impact extends to countries that may look to the U.S. for precedent or influence on policies regarding reproductive rights.
- Women, healthcare providers, and potentially state governments in the U.S. are directly affected by any changes in legislation regarding abortion rights.
- The bill also indirectly impacts partners, families, and children who would be affected by a woman's ability to choose whether to continue a pregnancy.
Reasoning
- The population affected will primarily be women of childbearing age, so we will focus our interviews there. However, to assess the wider impact on societal wellbeing, some interviews include perspectives from healthcare providers and partners.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy's impact may take time to become apparent, particularly in states with current restrictions on abortion access.
- We will include interviews from individuals in states with varied stances on abortion, as the policy aims to create a more uniform approach across states.
- The policy's potential impact on mental and emotional wellbeing could differ greatly between those for whom access to abortions is currently restricted and those in states with fewer restrictions.
- Since not all individuals within the affected demographic will seek abortions, it's important to include a mix of individuals to reflect varied direct experiences with the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Retail Worker (Texas)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about what would happen if I got pregnant again and needed an abortion. Knowing I have the right to choose is very important to me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Nurse (California)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I personally don't plan to have an abortion, I believe it's crucial that the choice remains available for those who might need it. It's about supporting women's autonomy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Teacher (Florida)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy ensures that my partner and I have options if we face an unplanned pregnancy. It's comforting to know that autonomy is protected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
College Student (New York)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m relieved that efforts are being made to protect reproductive rights. This bill gives me hope for future generations.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Stay-at-home mom (Alabama)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe life is precious, and knowing this policy exists is troubling, but I understand the importance of choice for others.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Doctor (Ohio)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could make my work easier in terms of patient access. Women's health shouldn’t be politicized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
IT specialist (Mississippi)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having gone through a challenging pregnancy decision, this policy provides vital reassurance if I face similar challenges again.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
State legislator (Wyoming)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I don't agree with the policy, I recognize the importance of aligning federal and state regulations for consistency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Waitress (Colorado)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to abortion is a relief, especially as I'm not financially ready for a child.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired (Nevada)
Age: 57 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’ve fought for women’s rights my whole life; it’s gratifying to see legislative steps to protect our choices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- Legal challenge costs associated with enforcing the bill's statutory authority across diverse state legal landscapes.
- Increased access to abortion services could have far-reaching social and medical implications, affecting healthcare systems, population dynamics, and workforce participation.