Washington D.C. - The Trump administration today announced the rescission of guidance that previously mandated hospitals to provide abortions in emergency medical situations if necessary to stabilize a patient. This guidance, initially issued under the Biden administration, interpreted the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) as requiring hospitals to offer abortions in such circumstances.
The administration argues that the previous guidance overstepped its authority and infringed upon states' rights to regulate abortion. Opponents of the reversal contend that it will jeopardize the health and lives of women facing emergency pregnancy complications. Several medical organizations have expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on patient care.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that EMTALA's primary focus is on ensuring access to emergency medical care, but clarified that it does not mandate specific treatments like abortion. The new policy is effective immediately, leaving hospitals in some states with less clarity on their obligations regarding emergency abortion care.
Trump Administration Reverses Guidance on Emergency Abortion Care
The Trump administration has withdrawn previous guidance that required hospitals to provide abortions in emergency situations to stabilize patients. This reverses a policy put in place during the Biden administration. The move is expected to impact access to emergency abortion care in some states. Critics argue this decision could endanger women's health and well-being.
Source: Read the original article at ABC