WASHINGTON, DC – The House of Representatives today approved H.R. 3495, the Women’s Public Health and Safety Act, authored by Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI), another bill that would help to protect innocent infant lives. This bill would provide states with more flexibility so that a state is able to choose to only include in its Medicaid program health care providers who do not perform, or participate in the performance of, elective abortions. H.R. 3495 was approved by a vote of 236-193.

Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said, “You take a district like mine in Tennessee, there are zero Planned Parenthood affiliates in my district. Zero. There are 16 Community Health Centers. … What we are doing is encouraging the states to take the responsibility, make the determination, of where this money ought to be.”

Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chairman Joe Pitts (R-PA) added, “This bill at its core is about choice as well as protecting the lives of millions of unborn babies across America. … States should be able to work with providers who prioritize and respect life, and exclude organizations whose business model is built around the destruction of life.”

The Energy and Commerce Committee has been fighting to protect human life and hold Planned Parenthood accountable. Keep up with the committee’s efforts online here.

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