Today, the US Congress approved a reactionary bill to Texas' abortion legislation, that Democrats insist will protect a woman's right to choose. The Women's Health Protection Act passed along party lines, carrying the support of Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-FL).
The House approved the measure by a narrow margin of 218-211, with only one Democrat straying to away from the party. Although the bill has riled up Democrats, it is thought to be largely symbolic as it would require all Democrats and 10 Republicans to vote "yes" in order to pass.
In the Senate moderate Democrats such as Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) have been found unlikely to vote for the bill, as Casey has previously voted for abortion restrictions and Manchin has been a wild card for Democrats in recent years.
In a video posted shortly after the vote, Congresswoman Murphy said that she voted for the bill, and took a shot at her own state for entertaining similar abortion restrictions:
"We must protect the constitutional right of every woman to make the best decisions for her and her family, in consultation with their doctor. Bills like the one in Texas, and now unfortunately in Florida, are extreme government overreach designed to deprive of their legal right,"said Rep. Murphy
Furthermore, Murphy promised her allegiance to the pro-choice movement, vowing "I won't stop fighting to protect women and preserve their access to reproductive healthcare.":
I just left the House floor where I proudly voted YES for the Women's Health Protection Act. We must protect the constitutional right of every woman to make the best decisions for herself and her family. #WHPA pic.twitter.com/9L9EhwTfnD
— U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (@RepStephMurphy) September 24, 2021
The Florida bill Murphy is referring to is a new piece of legislation that is thought to be inspired by Texas' new abortion regulations. State Rep. Webster Barnaby (R-27) will be taking on the issue in possibly the most anticipated bill this session in the state of Florida.
The issue of abortion further unites the states of Texas and Florida, as governors Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and Greg Abbott (R-TX) have seemed to forge a solid political alliance under the new Biden Administration.
