Quick Bytes
- Biden administration marks Roe v. Wade anniversary with plans to expand abortion access.
- New directives aim to strengthen surgical abortion and chemical abortion availability.
- White House to provide guidance on federal law’s emergency treatment provisions, including abortion.
- Administration also focuses on increasing access to contraceptives through healthcare plans.
Administration’s New Reproductive Health Measures
On the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, President Joe Biden’s administration has announced initiatives to increase access to both surgical and chemical abortions, as well as contraceptives. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to reinforce surgical abortion access under federal laws that mandate emergency medical treatment, while also promoting executive actions to ease access to abortion-inducing drugs.
Controversy Over Federal and State Regulations
The White House is addressing the “chaos and confusion” caused by state abortion bans by offering guidance to healthcare workers and patients on the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTLA). Although EMTLA does not explicitly mention abortion, the administration views it as inclusive of abortion care in certain situations. This interpretation is poised for a Supreme Court review, especially with the Department of Justice’s lawsuit against Idaho’s interpretation of EMTLA.
Chemical Abortion and Contraception Access
President Biden’s 2023 memorandum further emphasizes the administration’s dedication to facilitating chemical abortion by instructing agencies to create guidance for accessing abortion drugs and exploring ways to remove barriers to these drugs. This comes as pro-life groups contest the FDA’s regulation of the abortion drug mifepristone, with a significant Supreme Court decision pending.
In parallel, the administration is pushing for broader contraception coverage. HHS will direct private insurers and Medicaid and Medicare plans to ensure coverage for affordable contraception. The Office of Personnel Management will also mandate that insurers in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program inform enrollees about contraception benefits.
Healthcare or Harm?
The administration frames these efforts as enhancing reproductive healthcare access. However, the article points out that healthcare is meant to preserve and save lives, while abortion, by its nature, ends a human life and is thus contrary to the essence of healthcare.
Image Credits
Photo credit: Hal Gatewood
