FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2023.
Please contact: naf@berlinrosen.com
This morning, Democratic lawmakers in the US House introduced the EACH Act, which guarantees insurance coverage for abortion. EACH Act would repeal the Hyde Amendment and allow patients to use their insurance—including Medicaid—to cover abortion care. This is the first legislation introduced in this Congress that would expand reproductive rights.
Statement from Melissa Fowler, Chief Program Officer at the National Abortion Federation:
We applaud the members of Congress who took the lead in introducing EVERY Act today. If passed, the EACH Act would guarantee everyone equal coverage for abortion care, regardless of income or health insurance, and would repeal the harmful Hyde Amendment. For decades, anti-abortion politicians have used the Hyde Amendment to hold federal funding hostage from abortion seekers by prohibiting the use of Medicaid to cover abortion care.
NAF’s National Abortion Hotline regularly hears from patients who are faced with the impossible decision of either delaying abortion care or making the decision to forego it altogether because they cannot afford it. The ability to access care should not be determined by income; everyone should have the freedom to make the medical decisions that are best for them. Additionally, we know that racism, homophobia, transphobia, economic insecurity, and immigration status multiply barriers to abortion care.
In November, voters across the country showed their support for the basic right to abortion care and the passage of the EACH Act is an opportunity for elected officials to show their constituents that they truly support reproductive freedom for everyone. NAF calls on Congress to pass EVERY Act and take the first step toward removing some of the systemic barriers that prevent Americans from accessing the care they need.
While these barriers still exist, the National Abortion Hotline is committed to helping anyone access abortion care regardless of their income, race, or zip code. Anyone in any state can call 1-800-772-9100 to understand their options and get the help they need, whether it’s help finding a provider, arranging travel to another state, or financing their care.
