Biden, Harris Take Abortion Rights on the Campaign Trail – By Steven Ross Johnson (US News) / Jan 22, 2024
On the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, Democrats are doubling down on the issue as a campaign strategy.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are taking steps to shore up reproductive rights – and they are taking the issue on the road in an effort to energize Democratic voters ahead of November’s presidential election.
On the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court case that enshrined a woman’s right to an abortion, Biden and Harris announced new rules and guidance about contraceptives and abortion and a national tour by Harris to call attention to the issue. The new rules expand access to contraceptives for federal employees and offer a broader range of approved medications at no cost under the Affordable Care Act.
In addition, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra plans to issue a letter to state Medicaid and Medicare programs as well as private health insurers informing them of their obligation to cover contraception at no cost. And HHS will issue guidance to help Americans better understand their rights under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, which requires emergency rooms to provide medically necessary care – including abortions – in urgent cases.
