FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2023.
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This morning, Democratic legislators in the U.S. House introduced the EACH Act, which guarantees insurance coverage for abortion. The 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 have led the way on the introduction of the EACH Act today. If passed, the EACH Act would guarantee everyone equal coverage for abortion care, regardless of income or health insurance, and 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 forgo it altogether because they are unable to 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 the barriers to abortion care.
In November, voters across the country demonstrated their support for the fundamental 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 the EACH 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 no matter their income, race, or zip code. Anyone in any state can call 1-800-772-9100 to understand their options and get the assistance they need, whether that’s help finding a provider, arranging travel to another state, or funding their care.