Congresswoman Nikema Williams Leads Introduction of Legislation to Increase Access to Reproductive and Sexual Health Care
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), Whip of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and a member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, introduced the HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act of 2025, legislation to increase access to reproductive and sexual health care services, including abortion, by creating an Ombuds for Reproductive and Sexual Health in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Ombuds would increase awareness of abortion resources across the country and monitor the spread of health care misinformation. Joining Congresswoman Williams in introducing the HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act of 2025 are Congresswomen Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), and Veronica Escobar (TX-16).
Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), Whip of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and a member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus said:
“At a time when Republicans continue to attack our most fundamental reproductive freedoms, accurate information gives the power back to the people seeking care. The HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act ensures access to information and empowers care seekers with the tools they need to make informed, trusted decisions about their health. While we continue the fight for the right to abortion nationwide, this bill addresses the needs of the moment and opposes dangerous disinformation.”
Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia said:
“Republicans have made it clear they want to roll back reproductive freedom and control women’s choices. We’ve seen the damage their disinformation campaigns and extreme laws have already done, confusing patients, intimidating providers, and putting lives at risk. The HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act is about fighting back with truth and transparency. Every person deserves access to accurate, reliable information about their own health care, not fear and lies pushed by politicians. I’m proud to co-lead this bill to make sure women and families can make informed decisions with dignity and trust.”
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs said:
“Information is power, and it’s our best tool to ensure that people make the best health care decisions for themselves. But unfortunately, there’s so much mis- and disinformation out there about sexual and reproductive health – even from our leaders who legislate and implement these policies! That’s why I’m proud to help introduce the HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act so we can create a dedicated office that’s charged with sharing trusted, evidence-based information and stopping the spread of myths and misinformation.”
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) said:
“Republicans in Congress and in statehouses across the country have long waged a coordinated attack on reproductive freedom, spreading fear and misinformation while stripping away care from those who need it most. I am proud to join Congresswoman Williams and my colleagues in reintroducing the HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act, which will help the federal government push back against mis and disinformation, expand access to care, and ensure that every person has the information and support they need to make decisions about their own body.”
Candace Bond-Theriault, Esq., LL.M., Senior Director of Policy at Black Women’s Health Imperative said:
“BWHI proudly supports the “HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act of 2025” as a vital step to improving access to reproductive and sexual health care for Black women and girls across the lifespan. We stand behind policies and interventions backed by science and research, and commend Congresswoman Nikema Williams for leading the charge to ensure that misinformation is eradicated and accurate resources are made accessible to all.”
Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, President and CEO of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, said:
“As a leading national think tank committed to promoting evidence to improve the lives and economic well-being of women, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research is proud to support this important legislation. The Ombuds for Reproductive and Sexual Health position established by this bill would help ensure access to the critical evidence-informed reproductive health data and care that are under threat across the country. In addition to supporting their overall health, access to this information and services ensure women are better able to achieve their education and career goals and fully pursue economic security.”
Carl Baloney, Jr. AIDS United President & CEO said:
“Legislation like the Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act is crucial at this moment. Congresswoman Nikema Williams understands the significance of combatting health misinformation and disinformation, and that we cannot improve access to sexual and reproductive health without it. This bill understands the vital importance of closing gaps in access to care, which inherently brings us closer to ending the HIV epidemic.”
Ryan Stitzlein, Reproductive Freedom for All Vice President of Political and Government Relations said:
“As anti-abortion extremists spread lies and fuel disinformation, the Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act is a critical step to make accurate and reliable information about reproductive health care accessible. We are grateful for Congresswoman Nikema Williams’ steadfast leadership and her unwavering commitment to ensuring every person has the freedom to make their own reproductive health decisions. We need our champions fighting back against the GOP’s ongoing attacks on our fundamental rights and freedoms.”
Endorsements: AIDS United, the Black Maternal Health Federal Policy Collective, Black Women’s Health Imperative, Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Reproductive Freedom for All, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change
Click here for the text of the HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act of 2025.
Click here for a one pager on the HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act of 2025.