Bill bars states from punishing residents who cross lines for abortion care
In committeeH.R. 4099Latest action
Sponsor: Lizzie Fletcher · Representative · TX
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act
119th Congress
Topics: Rights & liberties
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 4099 would stop states from interfering when residents travel out of state to get an abortion or receive abortion pills.
55-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 4099 would make it illegal for state officials or anyone enforcing state law to block a person from traveling to another state to obtain an abortion. It also prohibits states from stopping out-of-state doctors from providing that care or from blocking FDA-approved abortion medications from crossing state lines. People and organizations that help someone travel for an abortion would receive the same protections.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects people in states with abortion restrictions who seek care elsewhere, as well as doctors, clinics, and helpers in states where abortion is legal who serve out-of-state patients. It also directly affects state governments and officials who might otherwise enforce their state's abortion laws against residents who leave.
Why does it matter?
Enforcement could come through the U.S. Attorney General suing in federal court or through lawsuits filed by individuals who are harmed, with possible recovery of financial losses, emotional harm damages, and legal fees. The bill does not change whether abortion is legal or illegal within any state, limiting its effect to situations involving interstate travel or shipment.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJun 24, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Jun 24, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.