WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) voted against a measure in the House of Representatives that would restrict women's access to abortion after 20 weeks. Following the vote, Rep. Murphy made this statement:

“It is unconscionable that House Republicans would insist on pushing this radical legislation that severely restricts a woman’s right to choose. This decision should rest with a woman and her doctor, not politicians, yet women are forced to defend their right to make their own medical choices year after year. Working families in Florida and across the country deserve better from this Congress than constantly pushing reckless and unconstitutional legislation.”

Rep. Murphy is a cosponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act, legislation supported by 110 members of Congress. The legislation would help invalidate state laws that compromise women's access to safe, legal abortions and harm women's health.

In January, the House attempted to pass similar legislation, but it failed to receive enough support and was pulled from consideration. During that debate, Rep. Murphy spoke on the House floor against efforts to roll back women’s rights.

The legislation passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 242-184.