US EditionHHS investigating 13 states for ‘coercing’ healthcare providers to provide abortions
HHS alleges 13 states coerce insurers to cover abortion, potentially violating the Weldon Amendment protecting conscience rights, amid a partisan shift in federal enforcement.
- On March 19, the HHS Office for Civil Rights launched probes into 13 states for allegedly mandating abortion coverage and sent letters on March 18 requesting compliance information.
- HHS's policy shift toward conscience protections after rescinding former Biden administration guidance in January strengthened OCR's interpretation under the Weldon Amendment.
- KFF data show the 13 states requiring coverage mandate abortion coverage for Medicaid, private insurance and ACA marketplace plans, with HHS officials naming California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota and New York.
- OCR warned it may withhold federal funding or refer cases to the Department of Justice if violations are unresolved, as the agency said it may seek informal resolution.
- The action follows a long-running partisan dispute over Weldon, with probes linked to prior Trump-era enforcement and Project 2025 proposals, as the administration emphasizes religious protections.
63 Articles
63 Articles
Maine reportedly among states HHS to investigate over requirements for insurers to cover abortions
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is arguing that 13 states requiring insurers to cover abortion are in violation of federal law. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday announced an investigation into 13 states that require health insurance plans to cover abortion care. In a news release, the agency said the investigation is based on allegations that the states are …
HHS Investigates 13 States for Requiring Health Care Providers to Cover Abortion
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced it is investigating thirteen states for “allegedly coercing health care entities to provide coverage of, or pay for, abortion contrary to conscience.” The HHS Office for Civil Rights argues such state requirements violate the Weldon Amendment, a 2004 law that protects the religious and conscience rights of physicians and health care professionals, hospitals, health insurance plans and ot…
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