US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HR522

Introduced
6/17/25  

Caption

Recognizing that Adriana Smith and her family's prolonged ordeal without their consent is the direct result of the Black maternal health crisis, the danger of laws that give rights to fetuses and take them away from pregnant people, and anti-abortion laws that continue to harm people who can become pregnant.

Impact

The resolution urges state governments to repeal laws that give rights to fetuses while stripping pregnant individuals of their autonomy. It calls for clarifications on how anti-abortion laws impact medical decisions, stating that the health and welfare of pregnant patients should be paramount. By addressing these issues, HR522 seeks to ensure that pregnant people retain their rights to make decisions about their bodies and healthcare without fear of legal repercussions. This reflects a broader goal of promoting equity and dignity within maternal healthcare and a response to the rising concerns about maternal health crises exacerbated by restrictive reproductive laws.

Summary

HR522, introduced in June 2025, addresses significant issues surrounding reproductive rights in the United States, particularly highlighted by the case of Adriana Smith, a pregnant woman who was declared brain dead but was kept on life support against her family’s wishes. The resolution underscores the critical impact of anti-abortion laws, such as the Georgia LIFE Act, which criminalizes the provision of abortion care and thereby places pregnant individuals in precarious medical and legal situations. It emphasizes the need for change as these laws contribute to systemic disparities in maternal healthcare, particularly affecting Black women who face disproportionately high maternal mortality rates.

Contention

One of the notable contentions surrounding HR522 revolves around the balance between fetal rights and the rights of pregnant individuals. Supporters argue that pregnant people should maintain control over their medical decisions, including the right to refuse life-supportive measures when they are no longer viable, while critics may contend that recognizing fetal rights is essential for protecting potential life. This tension highlights a significant ethical and legal debate in health policy, particularly in the context of rising maternal health disparities and the legislative landscape regarding reproductive health.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB2382

Relating to funding services for pregnant persons other than types of abortions on which federal moneys may not be spent; providing that this Act shall be referred to the people for their approval or rejection.

US SR30

Supports work of pregnancy resource centers and condemns harassment of pregnancy resource centers by AG.

US SCR7

Affirming And Supporting The Requirement That Hospitals Provide Life-saving Emergency Care To Pregnant People, Including Reproductive And Abortion Services, When Such Care Is Medically Necessary To Stabilize A Patient Under The Emergency Medical Treatment And Active Labor Act.

US SR7

Affirming And Supporting The Requirement That Hospitals Provide Life-saving Emergency Care To Pregnant People, Including Reproductive And Abortion Services, When Such Care Is Medically Necessary To Stabilize A Patient Under The Emergency Medical Treatment And Active Labor Act.

US SJR0052

A RESOLUTION to reaffirm the General Assembly's intent to protect pregnant people and their friends and family.

US SR11

Designating January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to recognize all the women and birthing people who die from complications of pregnancy or childbirth.

US SR210

Designating January 23, 2026, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to recognize all the women and birthing people who die from complications of pregnancy or childbirth.

US HR332

Supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2025, as the eighth annual "Black Maternal Health Week", founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA), to bring national attention to the maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing people.

US SR172

A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2025, as the eighth annual "Black Maternal Health Week", founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., to bring national attention to the maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing people.

US SR675

A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2026, as "Black Maternal Health Week", founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., to bring national attention to the maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing people.

Similar Bills

CA AB923

Detention and incarceration of pregnant and postpartum defendants.

CA AB1880

PINK Alert.

NJ S3794

Requires DOH to prepare resource guide on preeclampsia and gestational diabetes for distribution to pregnant persons.

TN HB1943

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63 and Title 68, relative to medical facility procedures for women experiencing certain medical conditions.

TN SB1681

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63 and Title 68, relative to medical facility procedures for women experiencing certain medical conditions.

MS HB662

Medicaid; revise criteria for presumptive eligibility for pregnant women to conform to federal laws and regulations.

MS SB2390

Medicaid; remove proof of income requirement from presumptive eligibility for pregnant women.

IA HF2253

A bill for an act relating to terminology involving a pregnant female. (Formerly HSB 501.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.