Staff Reports
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden issued an executive order instructing the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate the possibility of using public funds to pay for abortions that take place in other states.
What exactly are the specifics?
The executive order instructs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, to take into account decisions to advance the availability of reproductive medical services. These actions may include making it possible for patients to receive Medicaid coverage even if they are receiving medical care in another state.
According to the White House, the Executive Order is consistent with President Biden's commitment to safeguarding the fundamental freedom to travel across state borders in order to obtain reproductive healthcare in jurisdictions where such services continue to be allowed.
Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, President Joe Biden voiced his disapproval of the Supreme Court and pledged to continue fighting for abortion rights.
Biden described the ruling as "terrible," "extreme," and "wrongheaded," and added that the court had made it clear that it will not safeguard the rights of women, period.
On Wednesday, Biden renewed his harsh words while speaking from isolation within the White House. This came after the president had frequently tested positive for COVID-19.
Biden said, "I commit to the American people that we are doing everything in our power to safeguard access to healthcare, including the right to choose that women had under Roe v. Wade, which was ripped away by this extreme court."
Where do we stand with the Hyde Amendment?
In spite of the fact that Biden wants the Department of Health and Human Services to "consider actions" to subsidize abortions through Medicaid, doing so would be in violation of the Hyde Amendment, which states that it is unlawful for government monies to be used to pay for abortions.
