H.R. 4265: Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act of 2025, aims to create a program that provides financial support for individuals seeking abortion services. It proposes to allocate grants to eligible organizations that help cover the costs associated with traveling for abortions, especially for those who live in areas where access to such services is limited or restricted due to state laws.

Purpose of the Bill

The main goal of the bill is to mitigate the barriers to accessing abortion services that have become more pronounced following the Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case, which overturned the constitutional right to abortion. By providing travel and logistical support, the bill seeks to address the increased need for assistance in accessing abortions, particularly among marginalized communities.

Key Provisions

• Grants to Eligible Organizations: The Secretary of the Treasury can award grants to nonprofit or community-based organizations that assist individuals seeking abortion services. These grants can be used to cover travel-related expenses, including:
  • Round trip travel to the location where abortion services are provided.
  • Lodging.
  • Meals.
  • Childcare.
  • Translation services.
  • Doula care and patient education services.
  • Compensation for lost wages.
• Organizational Costs: Up to 15% of the grant funds can be allocated to cover costs related to the operation of the organizations providing the assistance, such as outreach efforts and staff training.
• Application Process: Eligible entities must apply to receive these grants by submitting information to the Secretary at a specified time and in a designated manner.
• Prioritization of Recipients: The Secretary is tasked with prioritizing grant recipients that serve individuals in jurisdictions with limited access to abortion, those who travel for services, and those that have existing programs or plans to assist individuals in accessing these services.
• Annual Reporting: The Secretary must report to Congress about the program annually, ensuring that individual identities remain confidential.
• Preemption of State Laws: The provisions of this bill would override any state laws that conflict with its intent, particularly those laws that prohibit funding for travel-related aspects of abortion access.

Funding

The bill authorizes the appropriation of $350 million for each of the fiscal years from 2026 to 2030 to support its initiatives.

Conclusion of the Bill's Intent

Overall, the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act of 2025 aims to create a structured way to assist individuals facing logistical and financial challenges in accessing abortion services, recognizing the changes in access levels since the Supreme Court's ruling.

Relevant Companies

None found.