Strickland, Fletcher, Bush Introduce Legislation to Create Reproductive Health Travel Grants

Press Release

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), and Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) introduced the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act to provide grant assistance to those who travel to receive reproductive health care.

"Access to safe and legal reproductive health care, including abortion, should not be limited to those with the resources to travel. The decision to overturn Roe already affects low-income families, particularly women of color, across the country," said Strickland. "It is our responsibility to ensure equitable access to reproductive medical care for all women regardless of where they live. "

"In my home state of Texas and across the country, we are in a health care crisis--a crisis growing worse each day," said Congresswoman Fletcher. "One way to help people and organizations respond to this crisis is to authorize grants to eligible entities to pay for travel-related expenses and logistical support for women seeking abortion care in states where it is legal. I am glad to partner with Congresswoman Strickland and Congresswoman Bush in this effort to ensure that Americans can get the care they need no matter what state they call home."

"Congress has a moral responsibility to do everything we can to support people seeking abortion care," said Congresswoman Bush. "This legislation provides funding to community-based organizations assisting people in trigger-ban states like Missouri who now have to travel out-of-state to receive an abortion. As we continue to fight for our reproductive freedoms, I'm proud to join Congresswomen Strickland and Fletcher in leading this effort to ensure that there are systems in place to support people today."

The legislation will establish a grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services to help ease the financial burden of pregnant people traveling long distances to access safe and legal reproductive health care.

Source