Statement by Press Secretary Jen Psaki on the Women's Health Protection Act

At a time when women's access to reproductive health care is under increased assault in states across the country, it is extremely disappointing that Senate Republicans blocked passage of the Women's Health Protection Act, which would strengthen health care access and codify constitutional rights affirmed half a century ago by Roe v. Wade and in subsequent Supreme Court precedent.

Today, we mark six months since Texas law SB8 went into effect, brazenly violating Texans' constitutional rights and empowering private citizens to act as bounty hunters against their neighbors. Now, a number of other states are also considering passing laws in open defiance of the U.S. Constitution, threatening the reproductive freedom of all Americans. These restrictions are particularly devastating for communities of color, rural Americans, and all those faced with fewer options and fewer resources.

As dangerous new laws proliferate in states across the country, the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to explore the measures and tools at our disposal to stand up for women's equality. This is a moment for us to recommit to strengthening access to women's health care, defend the constitutional right affirmed by Roe, and protect the freedom of all people to build their own future.