Friday’s executive order by President Biden was signed by the president. However, he stressed that the Supreme Court had overturned Roe v. Wade and that it would require political change to restore abortion access.
A minimum of nine states have so far banned abortion aEUR”, including Alabama, Arkansas Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. In the next few weeks, a dozen other states will likely prohibit or limit the procedure.
Biden stated at the White House that he was asking the Justice Department to do all they can to protect women who are trying to invoke their rights, much as they did during the Civil Rights era.
Executive order promises to protect abortion providers and patients. It also includes the establishment of mobile clinics close to the borders of countries that restrict abortion access. It also seeks private, pro-bono lawyers to support people who cross state lines in order to obtain an abortion.
The order also directs the secretary to Health and Human Services, to issue a report within the next 30 day outlining additional steps to protect medication abortion, expand access to emergency contraception and IUDs, and raise public awareness about reproductive rights.
The Biden administration also calls on the Federal Trade Commission aEUR”, an independent body, to take steps to protect privacy of those who seek information about abortion services.
The order will establish a task force on reproductive health care to coordinate the policies of the administration.
According to the White House, the executive order is a continuation of the previous steps taken by the administration to ensure abortion access. This included nearly $3 million in additional funding to strengthen training and technical assistance for family planners. Federal workers also have paid leave to allow them to travel for reproductive health care.
Despite this, the measures do not address the demand of some Democratic governors for additional resources in abortion care in their states. They also haven’t considered travel assistance for pregnant women who want to have abortions in states that limit the procedure.
Biden is being pressured by Democrats to take more steps and explore other options regarding abortion access. These limited measures are coming as Biden faces increasing pressure from Democrats. Biden responded by stating that Congress must codify abortion rights but that not enough votes are available in the Senate.
