John—
Our budgets are a reflection of our priorities.
As Congress votes on the federal budget for the next year, we must challenge our representatives to actively oppose the inclusion of a racist and discriminatory insurance coverage ban, known as the Hyde Amendment, that effectively bars access to abortion care for millions of Americans, disproportionately harming low income women and women of color.
Here’s the good news: We have a leader in Congress who is ready to fight for a budget that prioritizes equality, justice, the health and wellbeing of our communities, and the freedom to choose whether, when, and with whom to have a child. Representative Ayanna Pressley, with Reps. Barbara Lee, Jan Schakowsky, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is leading the charge to make abortion care accessible for every body by introducing an amendment to strike this abortion coverage ban from our federal budget for 2021.
NARAL Pro-Choice America is proud to join with Rep. Pressley and partners across the reproductive health, rights, and justice movements to call for an end to abortion coverage bans. We can build the future we deserve — with enough determination, with enough belief in ourselves and our cause. Will you join the chorus of voices demanding Congress end Hyde now?
If you’re looking for more background on what exactly Rep. Pressley is trying to end, you’re in luck! Read on to hear my answers to 5 of the most common questions I get asked about the Hyde Amendment.
Thank you for being in this fight with us,
Kate Ryan
Government Relations Director, NARAL Pro-Choice America
What is the Hyde Amendment?
The Hyde Amendment (and related restrictions) is a discriminatory federal policy that bans abortion services and insurance coverage in government-administered health-care programs except in very limited cases. This far-reaching policy affects many programs, such as Medicaid, the Indian Health Service, Federal Employees Health Benefits, Tricare, and more, resulting in millions of people being denied insurance coverage for the abortion care they need.
Who does this affect most?
These bans on coverage for abortion care affect Medicaid recipients, U.S. service members and veterans, Native Americans, Peace Corps volunteers, federal employees, and others. These anti-choice restrictions disproportionately harm people of color and people who are struggling to make ends meet.
Is the Hyde Amendment discriminatory?
Yes! Representative Henry Hyde, the original sponsor of the amendment in 1976, wanted to block all access to abortion, but at the time could only restrict access for Medicaid recipients. “I certainly would like to prevent, if I could legally, anybody having an abortion, a rich woman, a middle-class woman, or a poor woman,” he said. “Unfortunately, the only vehicle available is... the Medicaid bill.”1 Because people of color make up 59% of Medicaid recipients, his dream has now become a racist reality.2
Can you tell me more about what Rep. Pressley is doing?
Rep. Pressley has filed an amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations bill removing the abortion coverage ban from the bill, stating:
Let me be clear, discriminatory abortion bans like the Hyde Amendment are blatantly racist and perpetuate systems of oppression and white supremacy that target people of color — especially Black people — and their bodily autonomy.
This first ever pro-choice majority in the House of Representatives has a mandate and a responsibility to stand up for reproductive rights and justice for all, not just those who can afford it.3
So what can we do?
The LLHS funding bill could go to the floor for a vote as soon as Monday — meaning we need to get loud now. Add your name to call on Congress to end the Hyde Amendment and other racist abortion coverage bans.
And if you haven't already donated to support NARAL in the fight to ensure reproductive freedom is for every body, everywhere — no matter where you live or how much money you make — you can pitch in here!
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