Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
House Passes Abortion Rights Measure In Largely Symbolic Vote
CNBC: House Passes Abortion Rights Bill In Response To Restrictive Texas Law
House Democrats on Friday approved wide-ranging legislation to protect abortion rights, a swift but mostly symbolic response to the Supreme Court’s refusal to block a Texas law banning most abortions. The bill, which passed 218-211, is principally a show of solidarity, given that the bill, the Women’s Health Protection Act, will face steep opposition from Senate Republicans and is not expected to advance through the chamber. (Franck, 9/24)
Roll Call: House Passes Abortion Rights Legislation
The bill would prohibit some state-level restrictions such as bans on mandatory waiting periods and limits on when during pregnancy an abortion can be performed. It also would not permit limits on a health care providers' ability to administer abortion services, such as the abortion pill mifepristone, by telemedicine, other than limits all telehealth providers follow. (Raman, 9/24)
NPR: The House Passes A Bill Meant To Counter Texas-Style Abortion Bans
Passage of the Women's Health Protection Act is a response to a Texas law that essentially bans abortion after six weeks, before most people realize they are pregnant. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to block the law from taking effect, although the decision leaves the door open for future challenges. ... The Senate version of the bill, sponsored by Connecticut Democrat Richard Blumenthal, has 47 co-sponsors, although it's unlikely to garner the support of Pennsylvania Democrat Bob Casey, who has previously voted for abortion restrictions, and West Virginia moderate Joe Manchin. (Sprunt, 9/24)
In other news from Capitol Hill —
AP: Collins Wants Congress To Pass Fetal Alcohol Disorders Bill
Maine’s Republican senator has co-sponsored a proposal designed to help prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Sen. Susan Collins said the proposal would use early intervention to address the problem of prenatal substance exposure. She said the proposal would boost federal, state and local programs and funding for prevention efforts. (9/26)
The Hill: North Dakota Republican Latest House Breakthrough COVID-19 Case
Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, becoming the latest breakthrough case in the U.S. House. Armstrong wrote in a statement posted to Twitter that he received a positive test after feeling mild symptoms. He said he has been fully vaccinated since January, and will quarantine for 10 days. (Schnell, 9/26)
