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President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed an executive order that he says will allow for more abortion access, coming weeks after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
“Today’s Executive Order builds on the first Executive Order that I signed last month to safeguard access to … abortion care,” he wrote on Twitter. “I told you I wouldn’t back down. That hasn’t changed.”
Biden’s executive order directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to “consider action to advance access” to abortion services, including via Medicaid for women who travel out of state to obtain one, according to the White Hose.
The order also asks HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra to consider “all appropriate actions” to ensure that health providers follow federal laws so people can “receive medically necessary care without delay,” referring to abortions.
“These actions 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 statement said.
