Democrat President Joe Biden’s administration has sent a warning to hospitals across the country that they “must” provide abortions during emergencies.
The Biden admin is targetting abortion bans after losing on the issue in the Supreme Court.
On Monday, Biden’s team told doctors they “must” provide abortion services in emergency situations, arguing that “federal law preempts state” laws where abortion is, or will be, banned.
“Under the law, no matter where you live, women have the right to emergency care — including abortion care,” Biden’s HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
“Today, in no uncertain terms, we are reinforcing that we expect providers to continue offering these services, and that federal law preempts state abortion bans when needed for emergency care.
“Protecting both patients and providers is a top priority, particularly in this moment.
“Health care must be between a patient and their doctor, not a politician.
“We will continue to leverage all available resources at HHS to make sure women can access the life-saving care they need.”
“Everyone should have access to the health care they need — especially in an emergency,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.
“Under federal law, providers in emergency situations are required to provide stabilizing care to someone with an emergency medical condition, including abortion care if necessary, regardless of the state where they live.
“CMS will do everything within our authority to ensure that patients get the care they need.”
HHS issued a statement that outlines Becerra’s “action plan to protect access to reproductive health care, including abortion care,” which includes five priorities:
- increasing access to medication abortion
- protecting patients and providers from discrimination, and ensuring privacy for patients and providers
- protecting emergency abortion care
- ensuring providers have family planning training and resources
- strengthening family planning care, including emergency contraception
“HHS will take additional actions in the coming days,” Becerra warned.
