What does Preamble of Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act do?

This bill aims to amend the Public Health Service Act. The stated purpose is to improve reproductive health care for individuals with disabilities.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act

What does FINDINGS. of Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act do?

This section outlines findings related to reproductive health care access for individuals with disabilities. Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States have some type of disability, and a significant portion of these individuals are parents or can become pregnant. Existing laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act aim to ensure equitable access to healthcare for individuals with disabilities. Disabled individuals encounter specific barriers to reproductive health care, including accessibility issues, lack of accessible equipment, and provider training gaps. Reproductive health care is deemed critical for the long-term health of disabled individuals, who experience higher mortality rates from reproductive cancers and maternal health complications. The United States Access Board has established accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment, but awareness and implementation among providers are low. Stereotypes and restrictive laws disproportionately impact disabled individuals' access to reproductive health care and reproductive autonomy. Individuals with disabilities desire children at similar rates as those without disabilities, but face disparities in contraception counseling, prenatal care, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The section highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the healthcare workforce, noting the underrepresentation of students with disabilities in medical and allied health education.

What does PROGRAM FOR TRAINING THE WORKFORCE. of Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act do?

The Secretary will award grants to eligible entities for training health care professionals on reproductive health care for individuals with disabilities. Eligible entities include public or private nonprofit entities with demonstrated expertise in serving individuals with disabilities. Training programs will focus on comprehensive disability clinical care curricula, culturally and linguistically competent care, and the rights of individuals with disabilities. Entities receiving awards must submit a report on the results of their evaluation to the Secretary within 180 days after the end of the award period. The Secretary will annually compile and submit these reports to Congress and post them on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

What does PROGRAM FOR EXPANDING THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER of Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act do?

This section establishes a program to expand the reproductive health care provider workforce, specifically focusing on increasing the participation of individuals with disabilities. The Secretary of Health and Human Services may award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities, including schools of medicine and nursing, to support these efforts. Funds awarded under this program can be used to develop a competitive applicant pool, support academic performance, recruit and retain individuals with disabilities, and improve training programs. Entities receiving awards must use funds to conduct activities such as mentorship programs, faculty development, and research on health issues affecting individuals with disabilities. Preference will be given to applications involving a comprehensive approach with multiple entities. Stipends provided to individuals with disabilities under this section will not affect their eligibility for other federal or state benefits. The Secretary is required to submit a report to Congress detailing the program's activities and outcomes.

What does EXPANDING THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE NURSING WORKFORCE. of Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act do?

This section amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a program focused on expanding the reproductive health care nursing workforce, specifically targeting individuals with disabilities. The Secretary is authorized to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to support activities related to education and training for individuals with disabilities in this field. Funds awarded under this section can be used to develop a competitive applicant pool, support academic performance, recruit and retain individuals with disabilities, improve training programs, and facilitate research. Preference will be given to applications involving a comprehensive approach with multiple entities. The Secretary must consider current enrollment trends and align with existing Health Resources and Services Administration programs when awarding grants. Assistance provided under this section will not affect an individual’s eligibility for other Federal or State benefits. The Secretary is required to submit a report to Congress detailing the program’s activities and outcomes.

What does PROGRAM FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EDUCATION. of Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act do?

This section establishes a program for reproductive health education focused on individuals with disabilities. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities. Eligible entities include public or private nonprofit organizations with expertise in serving individuals with disabilities, such as health care providers, institutions of higher education, and entities led by individuals with disabilities. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of best practices, experience working with individuals with disabilities, and expertise in developing accessible materials. Funds may be used to carry out evidence-based education programs, develop accessible materials, provide information on abortion care options, and promote community engagement. Award recipients are required to evaluate the success of their programs and submit reports to the Secretary. The Secretary will compile and disseminate these reports to Congress and the public. The terms 'disability,' 'Indian Tribe,' 'Tribal organization,' and 'Urban Indian organization' are defined within this section. The section authorizes $10,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out the program.

What does NATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER. of Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act do?

The Secretary of Health and Human Services will establish a National Technical Assistance Center. The Center will provide recommendations and best practices to improve coordination of services for individuals with disabilities. The Center will provide technical assistance to health care providers on culturally and linguistically accessible care. The Center will develop resources to assist covered entities in complying with Federal laws and regulations. The Center will develop resources for individuals with disabilities facing barriers to accessible care.

What does RESEARCH STUDY. of Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act do?

This section mandates a research study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living. The study aims to identify effective programs and services for sexual and reproductive health care for individuals with disabilities. It also requires an analysis of partnerships between federal, state, tribal, and local entities to ensure accessible and comprehensive care. The study will identify necessary agreements to foster data and public health research on barriers to sexual and reproductive health care for individuals with disabilities. A report detailing the study's results must be submitted to specified congressional committees within three years of the Act's enactment. The terms 'disability' and 'disabilities' are defined using the meanings established in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The section authorizes $15,000,000 in appropriations for fiscal year 2027 to carry out the study.

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Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act

Last updated: 5/14/2026 · Introduced: 5/14/2026

Author: Patty Murray (D-WA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes a program to train health care professionals on reproductive health care for individuals with disabilities through grants to eligible entities.
It expands the reproductive health care provider workforce by awarding grants to support the participation of individuals with disabilities in the field.
The bill establishes a program to expand the reproductive health care nursing workforce, specifically targeting individuals with disabilities, through grants and education initiatives.
A National Technical Assistance Center will be established to provide recommendations and best practices to improve coordination of services for individuals with disabilities and offer technical assistance to health care providers.
The bill authorizes funding for a research study to identify effective programs and services for sexual and reproductive health care for individuals with disabilities and analyze partnerships between federal, state, tribal, and local entities.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8829(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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