Biden issues executive order on access to abortion
President Biden today directed the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider actions to expand access to abortion and other reproductive health services through Medicaid for patients who travel out of state for services; improve data and research on the impact of access on women’s health; and ensure health care providers comply with federal nondiscrimination laws “so women receive medically necessary care without delay.”
The latter could include “providing technical assistance for health care providers who may be confused or unsure of their obligations in the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs; convening providers to convey information on their obligations and the potential consequences of non-compliance; and issuing additional guidance or taking other appropriate action in response to any complaints or reports of non-compliance with federal non-discrimination laws,” the White House said.
Biden signed the executive order at the first meeting of his Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access, created by a July 8 executive order.