Planned Parenthood President on 45th Anniversary of the Hyde Amendment  

Washington, DC — On this 45th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment, Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson urges Congress to permanently end this racist, discriminatory policy. For decades, the Hyde Amendment has blocked people from using Medicaid and other federal health programs to access abortion. 

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America: 

“Ending the Hyde Amendment is long overdue. Given the attacks on abortion access in Texas and across the country, it is more urgent than ever that Congress take this step. For too long, this harmful, unpopular, and discriminatory policy has restricted the reproductive freedom of too many — particularly  Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ people. Everyone deserves access to the full range of reproductive health services, including abortion, no matter your income or zip code. We cannot let another year go by with this harmful policy in place. We continue to urge Congress to permanently and immediately end the Hyde Amendment, pass the EACH Act, and fight for full reproductive freedom for all.”

This year, the Biden-Harris administration became the first in decades to propose a presidential budget without including the Hyde Amendment. Under the leadership of Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3), the House Appropriations Committee advanced a Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill without the amendment, as well. 

Harmful consequences aside, the Hyde Amendment is also deeply unpopular: 6 in 10 voters believe that Medicaid should cover abortion services just as it covers all other reproductive health services. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) have introduced the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Act, critical legislation that guarantees health coverage for safe, legal abortion, regardless of how much money a person makes or the type of insurance coverage they have.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.