The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched investigations into 13 states that require state-regulated health insurance plans to cover abortion services, citing potential violations of the federal Weldon amendment.
The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is examining whether the states have discriminated against healthcare entities that decline to provide, pay for, or refer for abortions. OCR director Paula Stannard said the investigations address 'alleged disregard of, or confusion about, compliance with the Weldon amendment'.
The states under investigation include California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington, according to the Associated Press. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill criticised the probe as a 'fishing expedition wasting taxpayers’ money', vowing to defend abortion rights.
Vermont’s financial regulation commissioner Kaj Samsom stated the agency 'stands firmly behind the law' and does not believe it has unlawfully coerced insurers. A HHS official told The Hill that the investigations stem from complaints closed under the previous administration.
Katie O’Connor of the National Women’s Law Center condemned the move, calling it an attack on abortion access and accusing the Trump administration of weaponising the Weldon amendment against states protecting reproductive care.
