This bill creates a new position called the Ombuds for Reproductive and Sexual Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. Think of an ombuds as a watchdog or advocate—someone whose job is to look out for the public interest and make sure things are working fairly. This particular ombuds would focus specifically on reproductive and sexual health services.

The ombuds would have several key responsibilities. First, they'd educate the public by creating accurate, science-based information about reproductive and sexual health services, including abortion care and services for LGBTQ+ individuals, minorities, people with disabilities, and low-income people. Second, they'd analyze data about whether people can actually access these services and identify gaps in insurance coverage across different types of health plans. Third, they'd help people find clinics and providers that offer these services, including information about abortion funds and medication abortion options. Fourth, they'd work to combat misinformation about reproductive and sexual health by identifying false or misleading information being spread to the public.

To do this job effectively, the ombuds would work with other government agencies like the Labor Department, Treasury Department, and state insurance regulators. They'd also coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission to address consumer protection and privacy concerns. The ombuds would report directly to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and would be independent from other parts of the department. Every year, they'd submit a report to Congress explaining what they've accomplished. Importantly, the law protects patient privacy—the ombuds cannot collect or access individual patient information.

HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act of 2023

Williams, Nikema

HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act of 2023 This bill creates a position within the Department of Health and Human Services to support access to reproductive and sexual health services (including services relating to pregnancy and the termination of a pregnancy) that are evidence-based and medically accurate. Functions of the position include (1) educating the public about medication abortions and other sexual and reproductive health services, (2) collecting and analyzing data about consumer access to and health insurance coverage for those services, and (3) coordinating with the Federal Trade Commission on issues related to consumer protection and data privacy for those services.