Washington, D.C. — Today, the Center for American Progress released a new column on steps lawmakers can take to increase access to abortion care under the restrictions of the Hyde Amendment. The Hyde Amendment, which prohibits the use of federal funds for abortion care except in extremely narrow circumstances, perpetuates inequalities in accessing safe abortions, most notably for low-income women of color.
The column notes that approximately 1 in 4 women on Medicaid who seek abortion are instead forced to give birth because of a lack of comprehensive coverage. As part of addressing the ramifications of post-Roe America and ensuring that all women can obtain quality, safe, and affordable abortions, the column stresses that policymakers must ensure availability and coverage of all Hyde-permissible abortion care and strengthen the availability of all other reproductive healthcare. Additionally, CAP calls for the expansion of clinics and the availability of early abortion medication in states with supportive abortion policies.
“The United States must act to ensure that those who are most vulnerable have the same freedom and opportunity as wealthier Americans to access the health care they need,” said Maggie Jo Buchanan, senior director of CAP’s Women’s Initiative and co-author of the column. “Until Congress codifies the promise of Roe v. Wade and eliminates all bans on abortion coverage, however, the federal government must also work within existing law to protect the health and well-being of the nearly 34 million women living in states hostile to abortion care.”
Please click here to read “Hyde’s Restrictions on Abortion Are Unacceptable” by Maggie Jo Buchanan and Tracy Weitz.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Colin Seeberger at [email protected].