"Move Allowed for Abortion" US Biden Signs Executive Order... Midterm Election Issue

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Seulgina Jo] On the 3rd (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden signed his second executive order to guarantee abortion rights. The order focuses on federal government support for women to travel to other states for abortions. It is interpreted as an effort to highlight the abortion rights issue to rally progressive voters ahead of the November midterm elections.

According to local media such as CNN, the executive order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to use Medicaid (a medical support program for low-income individuals) funds to assist patients traveling to other states for abortions. It also includes provisions stating that refusing treatment to pregnant women due to the possibility of abortion constitutes discrimination, and under federal anti-discrimination laws, necessary medical services must be provided to pregnant women without delay.

Before signing the executive order, President Biden criticized the federal Supreme Court again for officially overturning the Roe v. Wade ruling, which guaranteed abortion rights, last June, saying, "Women's health and lives are at risk." He mentioned, "Women who have miscarriages are being denied emergency treatment, and doctors are uncertain about what support they can provide to patients," and referred to "tragic cases of rape victims, including teenage girls who must travel to other states for treatment."

Notably, the signing of this executive order came the day after a Kansas state constitutional amendment to remove abortion rights protections was rejected in the conservative-leaning state. President Biden called it a "decisive victory" and emphasized, "Voters made it clear that politicians should not infringe on women's fundamental rights." He also hinted that the abortion rights issue would be a key point in the midterm elections, stating, "This fall, voters will cast ballots to protect rights in America."

President Biden and the Democratic Party believe that congressional legislation is necessary to guarantee abortion rights at the federal level and are appealing for votes for the Democrats in the November midterm elections. Earlier, President Biden signed an executive order last month focusing on expanding abortion rights and strengthening privacy protections. On this day as well, he urged, "Congress must also listen to the voices of the American people and guarantee abortion rights through federal law."

However, legal controversies surrounding this executive order have also been raised. Under the U.S. Congress's 'Hyde Amendment,' federal funding for abortion is prohibited except in exceptional cases such as rape and incest. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to criticisms that using Medicaid funds for abortion procedures violates the Hyde Amendment by saying, "We will work out the details to ensure it does not violate [the amendment]." In an interview with CNN, she mentioned, "Medicaid supports comprehensive healthcare for low-income women, which includes family planning services such as contraception, non-emergency medical care, and transportation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.