House Democrats vote to establish federal right to abortion

Women's Health and Protection Act is part of strategy to push back against rush of state laws but unlikely to advance in Senate

House Democrats voted on Friday to establish a federal right to abortion, moving swiftly to advance the measure after the supreme court declined to stop a Texas law effectively outlawing the procedure and as they await a separate ruling next year that could further erode access.

The legislation, named the Women's Health and Protection Act, is part of the party's strategy to push back against the rush of state laws restricting abortions and to show their determination to defend reproductive rights, an issue they believe will resonate ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. Joe Biden has urged support for the measure, but Republican opposition in the Senate all but ensures the bill will not reach his desk.