HHS Secretary Announces Plan to Provide Abortion Care

As a result of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision and President Biden’s response, the HHS secretary announced their plans to provide access to abortion care. Last Friday, June 24, the SCOTUS announced that it had overturned Roe v. Wade, which protected the right to an abortion.  

Since then, many organizations, including private, medical, and government, have voiced their disappointment in the decision. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) joined these organizations, echoing President Biden's directive following the ruling. 

According to the White House press release, President Biden’s plan includes protecting access to reproductive medication, including contraction and abortion pills, and the right for pregnant people to travel to seek abortion care.  

The White House announcement highlights the FDA approval of medication abortion pills over 20 years ago. Its approval expanded reproductive care for abortions and miscarriage treatment. Organizations such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology have called on the Biden administration and the federal government to ensure the protection of this reproductive care tool.    

At the HHS press conference, Xavier Becerra, the secretary of HHS, critiqued the SCOTUS decision and echoed many others, saying, “they chose to unconscionably limit Americans’ established freedom and autonomy to control their own body — decisions usually made in consultation with their doctor, not a politician.” 

After voicing his outrage at the decision, Becerra explained 5 ways the HHS will support President Biden’s action plan to improve abortion accessibility by providing resources so pregnant people can travel to states where abortion is legal.  

The first of these actions is to improve medication abortion accessibility by urging and enforcing that all HHS and government-funded programs provide medication abortions in rape, incest, or maternal risk cases.  

Additionally, the Office for Civil Rights in HHS will focus on maintaining confidentiality and preventing discrimination against patients seeking reproductive care and medical professionals.  

Third, Becerra announced his intent to mobilize HHS under the Emergency Medical Treatment Act (EMTALA). The use of this act will allow and support physicians recommending abortion as a life-saving measure. 

The last two aspects of this plan include expanding or maintaining access to family planning. HHS will put forth training to providers at all levels. Additionally, they plan to work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide and guarantee access to contraception and family planning care.  

“This is a critical moment in history. How we respond will speak to how we view the rights, dignity, and well-being of women everywhere. This is a moment of crisis in healthcare. We will leave no stone unturned. All options are on the table. We will do everything within the legal limit of the law to reach patients and support providers,” concluded Becerra in his statement.