WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin on Thursday introduced new federal legislation that would help ease the financial burden for women that need to travel long distances for abortions.
The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act seeks to set up a $350 million per year grant program that provides financial and logistical support to eligible nonprofits or community-based organizations that assist individuals seeking abortions.
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Wisconsin reverted to the 1849 state law that bans all abortions unless they are necessary to save the life of the mother.
That forced many to travel out of state for care.
“This exacerbates the existing inequalities that so many of our community members already face, particularly people of color, young people, and people facing by economic hardship,” said Lucy Marshall, board president of Women’s Medical Fund.
But this bill could help more women access abortion care.
“Women in states like Wisconsin are being forced to travel out of state just to see a doctor for critical health care, including abortion. And for too many, the cost of travel, child care, overnight housing, and time away from work puts safe, comprehensive reproductive care totally out of reach,” Baldwin said in a press release. “By reducing the costs of travel for people seeking reproductive care, more Americans will be able to make the health care decisions that are best for their family, health, and future.”
Funds from the grant could be used for things like round-trip travel, lodging, meals, child care, translation services, doula care, and patient education and information services.
Dr. Kristin Lyerly, a board certified OB/GYN from Green Bay, said that funds like these can play a critical role in connecting patients with the resources they need.
Grants awarded by the Treasury Secretary would prioritize groups that serve those in jurisdictions that have banned or severely restricted access to abortion. It would also prioritize those that serve those who travel to a jurisdiction to access abortion care, or have a program in operation that helps patients access abortion services.
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray is co-sponsoring the bill. She said the overturning of Roe caused a “full-fledged health care crisis that is jeopardizing women’s health” and that this bill is part of a “bold solution” to combat it.
“Every woman deserves to have control over her own body and be able to get the care she needs—no matter what state she lives in—and that’s what this proposal will help deliver,” Murray said in a press release.
In addition to Baldwin and Murray, several other are sponsoring the bill, including Senators Jeff Merkley, Tammy Duckworth, Bernie Sanders, Sheldon Whitehouse, Tina Smith, Richard Blumenthal, and Mazie Hirono.
A similar bill was introduced in the House in July, authored by Washington Rep. Marilyn Strickland.
“Access to safe and legal reproductive health care, including abortion, should not be limited to those with the resources to travel. Blocking access to this life-saving care disproportionately impacts low-income families, women of color, and so many more underrepresented communities,” said Strickland. “I want to thank Senator Baldwin for her partnership in working to ensure equitable access to reproductive health care for all women regardless of where they live.”