HHS Rescinds Guidance on Emergency Abortions

The Trump administration has rescinded Biden-era guidance that required hospitals to provide emergency abortions when necessary to stabilize a patient's health, even in states with strict abortion bans. The original guidance was issued after Roe v. Wade was overturned to assert that federal law (EMTALA) took precedence over state abortion bans in medical emergencies. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services stated that EMTALA will still be enforced but highlighted the need to align with the current administration's policies and to address legal confusion from prior guidance. Critics, including abortion rights advocates and medical professionals, warn that rescinding the guidance will create uncertainty, increasing the risk of delays or refusals of emergency care for pregnant patients. Anti-abortion groups support the move as reinforcing state pro-life laws and protecting healthcare workers' conscience rights. The change has heightened debates and legal battles over abortion access and emergency medical care.