SMFM Responds to the Senate's Failure to Advance the Women's Health Protection Act

Today, the U.S. Senate failed to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), federal legislation that would have made it a statutory right for people to access abortion care and for clinicians to provide abortion care free from unnecessary medical restrictions and bans, no matter where one lives in the United States. In response, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) released the following statement:

“As experts in high-risk pregnancies, SMFM supports the right of all individuals to access the full spectrum of reproductive health services, including abortion care. Reproductive health decisions are best made by individuals with guidance and support from their health care provider. WHPA, as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2021, would have safeguarded access to abortion care for people across the United States, especially for Black, Indigenous and people of color and those who have low incomes and face inequities in access to care.

SMFM is deeply disappointed that the Senate did not advance this critical legislation, and now calls on state policymakers to protect and strengthen access to abortion care. This is particularly important for people with high-risk pregnancies, who may need access to abortion care to preserve their health and wellbeing, as they are at increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality.

As the country faces a reproductive health crisis and a maternal morbidity and mortality crisis, SMFM thanks the Senators who voted yes on WHPA, and will continue to advocate for reproductive health care, rights, and justice.”