Senator Baldwin Introduces Bill that Would Provide Federal Funding for Travel-Related Expenses for People Seeking Abortions

Tuesday, December 13th, 2022 -- 10:01 AM

(By Bridgit Bowden, Wisconsin Public Radio) Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin has introduced a bill that would provide federal funding grants to pay for travel-related expenses for people seeking abortions.

But, according to Bridgit Bowden with Wisconsin Public Radio, despite their support for the effort, abortion rights advocates say it's unlikely to get through Congress, where the House of Representatives will soon be controlled by Republicans.

The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act would set up a grant program for $350 million per year for the next five years, distributing the funds through nonprofits and community organizations that assist abortion seekers.

It would give priority to people who live in states that have banned or severely restricted abortion, like Wisconsin, where an abortion ban from 1849 is now in effect.

Since the fall of Roe v. Wade in June, legal abortion in Wisconsin has virtually ceased, leaving out-of-state travel the main option for people seeking to end their pregnancies.

"For too many, the cost of travel, child care, overnight housing, and time away from work puts safe, comprehensive reproductive care totally out of reach," Baldwin said in a statement.

Wisconsin and the Midwest have several existing abortion funds, including Midwest Access Coalition, which pays for travel and other logistical costs as opposed to actual abortion procedures. 

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