President Biden on Friday will sign an executive order intended to protect abortion and contraception access and bolster privacy in the aftermath of a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the precedent set by Roe v. Wade.
At Biden’s direction, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will take additional action to protect access to abortion medication that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
The agency will also seek to protect access to emergency medical care for pregnant people and people experiencing miscarriage, including by reviewing guidance that outlines physician responsibilities under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.
Biden will also direct HHS to expand access to contraception like IUDs.
The president’s executive order will additionally aim to protect patient privacy by addressing the transfer of sensitive health data and digital surveillance related to reproductive health care services.
Biden will sign the executive order and deliver remarks from the Roosevelt Room of the White House alongside Vice President Harris and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Biden has been facing intense pressure from Democrats and activists to take action to protect abortion access in the two weeks since the Supreme Court ruling. »