Protect the ability to travel out of state for an abortion, which has become increasingly common in recent years.
Support legislation protecting the ability to travel out of state for an abortion.
Occurrences
- Protect the ability to travel out of state for an abortion, which has become increasingly common in recent years.
"Protect the ability to travel out of state for an abortion, which has become increasingly common in recent years."
Evidence
On March 20, 2024, Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Tammy Duckworth introduced the Abortion Care Capacity Enhancement and Support Services (ACCESS) Act. This legislation aims to establish a federal grant program for healthcare organizations to expand their capacity to provide abortion services and other reproductive care in states where it remains legal. The bill addresses the increased demand for out-of-state abortion services following the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which led to numerous states adopting severe restrictions or bans on abortion services.
On June 21, 2023, Senator Tammy Duckworth joined other Senate Democrats to announce floor action on several bills aimed at protecting women's fundamental freedoms. Among these was the Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act, which seeks to ensure women can freely travel for healthcare, including abortion services, especially in light of state legislatures attempting to restrict such travel.
On December 8, 2022, Senators Tammy Baldwin and Patty Murray introduced the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act. This legislation aims to provide grants to organizations, including abortion funds, to offset travel-related expenses for individuals seeking reproductive health services. Senator Tammy Duckworth co-sponsored this bill, demonstrating her support for facilitating access to abortion services for those needing to travel out of state.
On June 25, 2025, Senators Tammy Baldwin, Richard Blumenthal, and Patty Murray introduced the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025. This legislation aims to guarantee access to abortion across the country and restore comprehensive reproductive health care rights. Senator Tammy Duckworth co-sponsored this bill, which includes provisions to protect the ability to travel out of state for an abortion, addressing the increasing need for such travel due to state-level restrictions.
Assessments
The promise was to support legislation protecting out-of-state travel for abortion, not necessarily to secure enactment. During her Senate term, Duckworth materially supported multiple relevant federal bills, including joining action around the Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act, co-sponsoring the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act and Women’s Health Protection Act, and co-introducing the ACCESS Act. These actions satisfy the promised support even though the broader statutory outcome has not been enacted.
Senator Duckworth repeatedly authored, co-sponsored, and supported significant federal legislation designed to protect and facilitate access to abortion services for those needing to travel out of state. However, there is no evidence that any of these legislative proposals became law or resulted in actual federal protection. Therefore, the promise was not fulfilled in outcome, but strong, sustained effort is clearly documented.