H.R.685 - Support And Value Expectant Moms and Babies Act of 2025; SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 685, also known as the "Support And Value Expectant Moms and Babies Act of 2025" or the "SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2025," aims to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The bill seeks to prohibit the approval of new abortion drugs and investigational use exemptions for such drugs. It also imposes additional regulatory requirements on previously approved abortion drugs.
The bill mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services cannot approve applications for marketing or grant investigational use exemptions for abortion drugs. For previously approved abortion drugs, the bill restricts labeling changes, requires in-person administration by a prescribing health care practitioner, and subjects the drugs to risk evaluation and mitigation strategies.
These strategies include practitioner certification, limitations on dispensing, patient documentation, and adverse event reporting. The bill also defines key terms such as "abortion drug," "adverse event," and "unborn child."
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 685 would significantly restrict access to abortion drugs. It would prevent the introduction of new abortion drugs and impose stricter regulations on existing ones.
This could lead to a decrease in the availability of medical abortions and potentially increase demand for surgical abortions. The bill could also affect research and development related to abortion drugs, as investigational use exemptions would be prohibited.
Healthcare practitioners would face additional requirements and restrictions, potentially impacting their ability to provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare services.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in adverse events associated with abortion drugs through stricter regulations and reporting requirements.
- Increased oversight and control over the distribution and administration of abortion drugs.
- Enhanced documentation and patient education regarding the risks associated with abortion drugs.
- May align with the views of individuals and groups who oppose abortion.
- Could lead to increased focus on alternative options for women facing unintended pregnancies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced access to abortion drugs, particularly for women in rural areas or those with limited access to healthcare.
- Increased burden on healthcare practitioners due to certification and reporting requirements.
- Potential for increased costs associated with abortion procedures due to limited availability of medical options.
- May disproportionately affect low-income women and women of color who already face barriers to healthcare access.
- Could lead to legal challenges based on constitutional rights related to reproductive freedom.
Constitutional Alignment
The constitutional alignment of H.R. 685 is subject to debate, particularly concerning the right to privacy and reproductive freedom as interpreted under the Fourteenth Amendment. The Supreme Court's jurisprudence on abortion rights, stemming from Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, has established a woman's right to choose, albeit with certain limitations.
Opponents of the bill may argue that it infringes upon this right by restricting access to abortion drugs. Supporters may contend that the bill is a legitimate exercise of congressional power to regulate drugs and protect potential life. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, which could be invoked to justify federal regulation of abortion drugs.
However, the bill's restrictions on abortion drugs could be challenged as an undue burden on a woman's right to choose, potentially leading to judicial review and constitutional challenges.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).