January 1, House Democrats vote to establish federal right to abortion

The House passed a measure that would establish the right to have an abortion under federal law.

The legislation, known as the Women’s Health Protection Act, passed with a vote of 218-211. It would guarantee the right to abortion access and ensure providers would be permitted to perform the procedure.

The vote comes as a controversial Texas law sparked renewed debate over the issue across the nation.

However, the measure is unlikely to pass in the Senate, as it would require the support of at least 10 Republicans.

“I support codifying Roe. Unfortunately, the bill … goes way beyond that. It would severely weaken the conscious exceptions that are in the current law,” said Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), who is pro-choice.

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House passes legislation protecting the right to an abortion, but bill faces unlikely prospects in the Senate