A Federal Floor for Reproductive Rights
Abortion access in America is broken and inconsistent. The FIRM Act sets a clear national minimum standard to protect women everywhere, regardless of which state they live in. This bill ensures that no woman is left without basic legal options, even in states with restrictive laws.
Under this framework, abortion is guaranteed nationwide for any reason up to six months. After six months, abortion remains legal if the mother’s life is at risk or the fetus has a fatal condition. States may expand protections further, but they cannot go below this baseline. It’s a floor, not a ceiling.
How It Works
- Guarantees abortion access nationwide for any reason up to 24 weeks (6 months).
- Protects access beyond 24 weeks if the pregnant person’s life is at risk or if the fetus has a fatal anomaly.
- Prevents states from criminalizing interstate travel or imposing undue burdens on abortion access.
Full Text
The FIRM Act
Section 1: Purpose
The FIRM Act establishes a national baseline of reproductive rights, guaranteeing access to abortion care across the United States while allowing states to expand protections beyond this federal floor if they choose.
Section 2: Right to Abortion Care
(a) National Minimum Standard
A licensed healthcare provider may provide abortion services to any individual who seeks them, for any reason, up to 24 weeks (6 months) gestational age.
(b) Exceptions Beyond 24 Weeks
After 24 weeks gestational age, abortion services shall remain lawful if, in the professional judgment of a licensed medical provider:
- Continuing the pregnancy would pose a risk to the pregnant individual’s life; or
- The fetus is diagnosed with a lethal anomaly or condition incompatible with sustained survival outside the womb.
States shall not prohibit abortion access under these exceptions after 24 weeks.
(c) State Expansion
Nothing in this Act shall prevent any state from enacting laws that provide broader access to abortion services beyond the minimum rights guaranteed herein, including permitting abortions after 24 weeks for any reason.
Section 3: Protection of Interstate Access
No federal, state, or local government may restrict, criminalize, penalize, or surveil:
- Individuals traveling across state lines to seek lawful abortion services; or
- Any person or entity that aids, assists, or supports individuals seeking such services.
States shall have no authority to prosecute, investigate, or otherwise punish individuals for obtaining or providing lawful abortion care in another jurisdiction.
Section 4: Prohibition of Undue Burdens
No government entity may impose requirements that intentionally or effectively delay, obstruct, burden, or deny access to abortion services protected by this Act, including but not limited to:
- Medically unnecessary waiting periods;
- Biased counseling mandates;
- Targeted regulation of abortion providers (TRAP laws).
Section 5: Protection of Patients and Providers
No individual shall face criminal, civil, or professional penalties for seeking, obtaining, providing, or assisting with abortion care in accordance with this Act.
Healthcare providers shall be protected from prosecution, loss of license, fines, or other disciplinary action when providing abortion services as authorized under this Act.
Section 6: Enforcement
Individuals whose rights under this Act are violated may bring a civil action for declaratory relief, injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and attorney’s fees.
The Department of Justice shall have authority to enforce this Act against any violators.
Section 7: Severability
If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof, is found unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall continue in effect.
Section 8: Effective Date
This Act shall take effect immediately upon enactment.
Disclaimer
I’m not a lawyer, and this isn’t finalized legislative language — but I’m also not waiting around for someone else to write what’s clearly overdue. We need more single issue, readable bills.
These are serious drafts from someone running for Congress who believes voters deserve more than slogans and vague promises. And yes, once elected, I’ll work with the Office of Legislative Counsel, the Congressional Research Service, and policy experts to refine every section into fully enforceable law. That’s what they’re there for.
But make no mistake — the intent, urgency, and direction are already here.