President Joe Biden is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to reproductive rights. On the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling, Biden will gather his Cabinet members to discuss and address the challenges faced since the landmark decision was reversed. The administration aims to strengthen access to contraception, medication abortion, and emergency medical care.
Strengthening Access to Contraceptives
To ensure women nationwide have access to FDA-approved contraceptives, the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services will issue new guidance. This move will allow millions of women to receive coverage for contraceptives at no cost under the Affordable Care Act.
Additionally, the Office of Personnel Management will offer guidance to enhance access to contraception for federal workers, retirees, and their family members.
Educating Patients and Hospitals
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will launch an educational campaign to inform patients about their rights and to help hospitals fulfill their obligations under federal law. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare facilities, ensuring that every patient receives comprehensive care.
Ensuring Emergency Medical Care
The Biden administration recognizes the importance of emergency medical care and its impact on women’s reproductive health. The Department of Justice is currently defending the position that emergency care may include abortion care in certain circumstances. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on this case by June.
Task Force Implementation
The President’s task force on reproductive health care access is actively working on implementing various executive actions to expand access to reproductive health care. The task force members will provide updates on the progress made so far.
Battling Republican Restrictions
The White House and Biden’s re-election campaign strongly criticize the Republicans for their restrictive stance on abortion. Biden firmly believes that the attempts to limit reproductive freedom are dangerous, extreme, and out-of-touch with Americans’ sentiments.
Vice President Kamala Harris Leads the Charge
While President Biden convenes his task force, Vice President Kamala Harris will embark on a nationwide tour focused on reproductive freedom. Over the past year, she has traveled to 16 states, meeting with 250 legislators to advocate for reproductive rights. Harris will continue this crucial work leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
The Road Ahead
Abortion is expected to be a major issue in the next presidential election. Voters have shown their support for protecting reproductive rights in states across the country. The Biden administration plans to engage state leaders and make ballot initiatives on abortion a core part of their strategy in the coming months.
In a show of solidarity, President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will headline their first joint campaign rally in northern Virginia. Their aim is to emphasize the importance of maintaining access to safe and legal abortion.
While the administration has urged Congress to pass a law that restores the protections of Roe v. Wade, the political landscape makes it unlikely to happen anytime soon.
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Source: NBC News