Examining the Harm to Patients from Abortion Restrictions and the Threat of a National Abortion Ban

Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney's Opening Statement [PDF]

On Thursday, September 29, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. ET, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, will hold a hearing to examine the impact of abortion bans and restrictions imposed by Republicans following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and the threat of a national abortion ban supported by congressional Republicans.

The Supreme Court’s extreme Dobbs decision upheld a Mississippi law that prohibited abortion after 15 weeks, overturning two landmark Supreme Court decisions and nearly a half-century of legal precedent affirming the constitutional right to abortion. 

Since the June decision, 15 states have banned abortion altogether and others have dramatically restricted access, forcing people to travel hundreds of miles to access abortion care.

On the national level, Senator Lindsey Graham introduced legislation this month that would establish a nationwide 15-week criminal abortion ban and imprison doctors who perform abortions for up to five years.  Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has said he would support a similar ban, and former Vice President Mike Pence has said abortion should be banned in all 50 states.

This hearing will examine the impact of state abortion bans and how they disproportionately harm people who already experience health inequities.  Members will also examine how Republicans are pushing to go further by banning abortion nationwide.