Abortion Care Awareness Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 31, 2025
Bottom line
This bill mandates a federal public health campaign to provide accurate information and resources for accessing abortion and related health services, aiming to counter misinformation and expand awareness, particularly for underserved communities.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national public health education, awareness, and outreach campaign. The campaign's purpose is to enhance access to information about abortion and related health services, including medication abortion, telehealth options, patient rights to travel across state lines for care, and how to identify misleading information from anti-abortion centers. It also sets limitations on the campaign's content, prohibiting misinformation and abstinence-only education.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that in the post-Roe v. Wade landscape, accurate and accessible information about abortion care is crucial, especially given varying state laws and the proliferation of misinformation. They contend this campaign would empower individuals to make informed decisions, protect their health, and ensure equitable access to care, particularly for marginalized communities who face significant barriers.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that this bill uses taxpayer funds to promote abortion, which they view as morally objectionable. They may contend it oversteps federal authority into areas traditionally regulated by states and that it could be perceived as biased or an endorsement of abortion rather than neutral health education. They might also raise concerns about the campaign's potential to encourage out-of-state travel for abortion, which some states have sought to restrict.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions within the typical time allotted for legislative review.
Section 2, adding Section 399V-8(a) to the Public Health Service Act.
Mandate for a National Public Health Education, Awareness, and Outreach Campaign
This provision directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and carry out a nationwide campaign focused on public health education, awareness, and outreach. The primary goal of this campaign is to improve public access to information about abortion and related health services across the United States.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a national campaign is essential to ensure consistent, accurate information is available to all Americans, especially in a fragmented legal landscape where access to care and reliable information varies widely by state.
Critics contend
Opponents would argue that this constitutes federal overreach into state matters and uses federal resources to promote a controversial medical procedure, rather than focusing on broader public health initiatives.
Tradeoffs
Balances the federal interest in public health information dissemination against concerns about state autonomy and the use of federal funds for politically sensitive topics.
Section 2, adding Section 399V-8(b)(1) to the Public Health Service Act.
Specific Information to be Included in the Campaign
This section details the specific types of information the campaign must disseminate. This includes how and where to access abortion (including medication abortion and telehealth), the legality of prescribing and receiving these services, medically accurate information, patient rights to travel across state lines for care, how to distinguish legitimate providers from anti-abortion centers, how to identify misinformation, and how to protect personal health information.
Section 2, adding Section 399V-8(b)(3) to the Public Health Service Act.
Ensuring Campaign Accessibility and Cultural Competency for Underserved Communities
This provision mandates that the campaign be designed to be culturally competent, effective, and accessible for various underserved communities. These include communities of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, those with limited English proficiency, low-income individuals, young people, LGBTQI+ individuals, people in rural or medically underserved areas, and those on Tribal land or receiving Indian Health Service care.
Section 2, adding Section 399V-8(c) to the Public Health Service Act.
Prohibited Content and Practices for the Campaign
This section explicitly prohibits the Secretary from promoting misinformation about abortion safety or 'abortion reversal,' promoting abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, or collecting personal information from campaign visitors. These limitations aim to ensure the campaign remains medically accurate, comprehensive, and protective of privacy.
Section 2, adding Section 399V-8(d) to the Public Health Service Act.
Expert Consultation for Campaign Development
This provision requires the Secretary to consult with a range of experts and organizations when developing and implementing the campaign. These include licensed health care professionals specializing in sexual and reproductive health, non-profit organizations focused on reproductive rights and justice, state and local public health departments, and non-profit institutions of higher education.