Congresswoman Bush, Reproductive Justice Orgs Partner to Introduce Legislation to Protect and Improve Sexual and Reproductive Health and Well-Being

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) introduced the Protect Sexual and Reproductive Health Act of 2022, legislation that would provide a comprehensive and holistic national response to protect and improve sexual and reproductive health and well-being. In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, federal legislators have an even greater responsibility to address the longstanding gaps in sexual and reproductive health care--particularly the inadequate access and quality of reproductive care for Black, brown and other marginalized communities.

This legislation would center a holistic approach to reproductive care that includes addressing issues that impact sexual and reproductive health and well-being such as health care coverage, economic inequality, racism and discrimination, food and housing insecurity, environmental injustices and more. Everyone--regardless of who they are or where they live--should be able to choose if and when they become a parent, and have the ability to raise children in communities that are safe and sustainable.

"As a Black woman and single mom in America, I know what it's like to struggle to make ends meet to support my family and how life-changing it would've been for us if I had access to a living wage, comprehensive and unbiased health care, stable and affordable housing, and a safe environment," said Congresswoman Bush. "By prioritizing the health and wellbeing of every person in this country, especially Black women and people capable of becoming pregnant, we can create a society that protects our right to bodily autonomy and nurtures and supports our children, families, and communities. Anti-abortion laws in states like Missouri could be a death sentence for Black, brown, Indigenous, disabled, LGBTQ+, low-income, and other marginalized communities. To fully address this crisis we need an inclusive, anti-racist, anti-classist, anti-ableist, and anti-transphobic response. That is why I am proud to partner with leaders and organizers in the reproductive justice movement to introduce the Protect Sexual and Reproductive Health Act. This bill will save lives by ensuring that our health and well-being is no longer an afterthought -- but a priority."

"We at NBEC, along with our Reproductive Justice co-conspirators, are overjoyed Rep. Cori Bush introduced the Protect Sexual and Reproductive Health Act and appreciate her continued commitment to personal bodily autonomy for all," said Dr. Joia Crear Perry, Founder and President of the National Birth Equity Collaborative. "With the creation of the Office of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Well-Being, there will be direct action to ensure all women and birthing people have the human right to health. It is truly a birth equity bill."

Original co-sponsors of this legislation include Representatives Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Robin Kelly (IL-02).

The Protect Sexual and Reproductive Health Act of 2022 would:

Establish a new Office of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Well-Being within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Direct the newly-established Office to develop a national strategy to address sexual and reproductive health equity and justice.
Create an interagency task force comprised of all 15 federal agencies to coordinate the development and implementation of the national strategy on sexual and reproductive health and well-being.
Establish a $2.5 billion reproductive justice and equity grant to support programs and services to improve sexual and reproductive health and well-being, including access to health care, doula care, legal aid, housing and food assistance, comprehensive sex ed, and behavioral health counseling.

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