"The March for Life congratulates the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the American Healthcare Act and for reaffirming their commitment to life," said Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life.
Pro-life groups noted that the bill barred federal funding of Planned Parenthood and instead funded health care providers that do not perform abortions.
These health care providers, said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, "provide comprehensive primary and preventative care to women and girls."
That redirection of funding would amount to $422 million, she said. The bill also established protections against taxpayer funding of abortions in health care plans.
"We urge the Senate to keep these non-negotiable provisions and quickly advance this bill to the President's desk," Dannenfelser said.
The Christ Medicus Foundation (CMF) CURO, a Catholic health care ministry, said the new health care bill would "offer truly affordable, patient-centered health care."
"This is a hugely important step, but it is just the first step to improving health care for all Americans, especially the vulnerable," Louis Brown, director of CMF CURO, said.
"The American Health Care Act begins the process of increasing meaningful medical access for individuals and families across the country by returning focus to the doctor-patient relationship."
And, the group added, "there is much more work to be done to protect the right of conscience and religious freedom in health care."
The White House announced on Thursday that the bill provided billions in funding for vulnerable populations, including $15 billion "for the care of maternity, newborn, mental health, and substance abuse."
Matt Hadro was the political editor at Catholic News Agency through October 2021. He previously worked as CNA senior D.C. correspondent and as a press secretary for U.S. Congressman Chris Smith.