Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act of 2025
Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act of 2025 Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill, currently in committee, would establish new regulations for physicians who perform abortions and abortion clinics. It requires abortion providers to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals and inform patients about where they can receive follow-up care if complications occur. Abortion clinics would need state licensing and must meet federal standards for surgical centers to receive federal funding.
Physicians who violate these requirements could face fines and up to two years in prison. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects abortion providers (doctors and clinics) and women seeking abortion services. It does not impose criminal penalties on women who have abortions. Healthcare facilities that provide abortion services would need to meet additional regulatory requirements, particularly those relying on federal funding. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet advanced to a vote in the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act of 2025This bill establishes requirements for physicians who perform abortions and abortion clinics.Specifically, the bill requires a physician who performs an abortion (1) to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital; and (2) at the time of the abortion, to notify the patient of the hospital location where the patient can receive follow-up care if complications arise.A physician who fails to comply is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both. A woman who undergoes an abortion may not be prosecuted.The bill also requires an abortion clinic, in order to receive federal funds or assistance, to (1) be licensed by the state in which it is located, and (2) be in compliance with federal standards for ambulatory surgical centers.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.