Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Anti-Abortion Movement's New Focus: Burial And Cremation Regulations
Los Angeles Times: The Latest Battlefront In The Abortion Wars: Regulations To Bury Or Cremate Fetuses
Over the last two years, at least five states have introduced requirements that healthcare facilities bury or cremate the remains from abortions, and in some cases also from miscarriages and stillbirths. The rules in Arkansas and North Carolina have already taken effect. Texas, Louisiana and Indiana are embroiled in lawsuits challenging their regulations, with a decision in the Texas case expected as soon as this week. (Zavis, 1/23)
Roll Call: House Fits In Abortion Bill, Even With Short Schedule
It’s a short week for Congress in Washington, with Republicans in both the House and Senate heading out Wednesday for a retreat in Philadelphia, where they will strategize with the new administration about the year’s legislative agenda. Before leaving, though, they’ll wade into abortion politics with legislation in the House — just in time for Friday’s annual March for Life. ... Per its name, the legislation by New Jersey GOP Rep. Christopher H. Smith would prohibit federal funds, including those provided to the District of Columbia, from being used for abortions or for health benefits that cover abortions. The House has voted on a version of the bill in prior years as part of Republicans’ sustained targeting of Planned Parenthood. (McPherson, 1/23)
Raleigh News & Observer: Republicans Push To Cut Medicaid Funds To Planned Parenthood
Thousands of women across North Carolina could lose access to health care if Congress persuades President Donald Trump to halt federal Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood. ... “You already have an overtaxed, overburdened public health care system in America, of which Planned Parenthood is a critical part,” said Jenny Black, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, based in Raleigh. “When you take that away, the infrastructure is just not there to absorb those patients.” (Quillen, 1/22)
In other news, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo moves to protect free contraception in the face of possible health law repeal —
The New York Times: Andrew Cuomo To Widen Access To Free Abortion And Contraception
Stepping into a period of intense anxiety over the future of the American health care system and reproductive rights, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo plans to announce on Saturday that his administration will require health insurers to cover medically necessary abortions and most forms of contraception at no cost — essentially safeguarding protections currently afforded to women. (Yee, 1/20)
Bloomberg: Cuomo Says Insurers To Cover Birth Control Despite Trump
New York state ordered health insurers to cover birth control and abortions even if President Donald Trump signs a repeal of Obamacare that would lift federal mandates on the industry. The state will require commercial insurers to provide broad coverage of contraceptive drugs and devices, and cover medically necessary abortions at no cost to the patient, according to a statement on Saturday from the New York Department of Financial Services. (Tracer, 1/21)
