President Joe Biden signed an executive order yesterday expanding federal protection for abortion in the United States. This is the second text released by the White House since the US Supreme Court overturned case law that considers abortion a constitutional right.

In the new decree, Biden says, “women’s health and lives are at stake.” He states that pharmacies prevent women of reproductive age from accessing drugs to treat stomach ulcers, lupus, arthritis and cancer because these drugs can also be used to terminate pregnancy.

Another report says a healthcare provider has temporarily stopped providing emergency contraception that could prevent pregnancy after sex, citing a state law restricting abortion.

The continued advancement of restrictive abortion laws in states across the country has created unequal access to reproductive health care and legal uncertainty depending on where a person lives, putting patients, providers and others at risk, and causing confusion for hospitals and healthcare professionals.
Excerpt from Executive Order Signed by President Joe Biden

The new order seeks authorization from the U.S. Department of Health to use Medicaid funds to fund the transportation of women who want to have an abortion in states that allow the procedure.

The decree also directs Health and Human Services Minister Xavier Becerra to provide health professionals with technical information and legal guidance to assist with abortion care.

*Updated article