U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra issued a statement today following the Supreme Court’s decision in Moyle v. United States.
"The Court’s order today means women in Idaho should once again have access to the emergency care that they need while the case proceeds in the lower courts," Becerra said. "However, it does not change the fact that reproductive freedom is under attack."
Becerra emphasized the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to protecting access to emergency medical care for everyone in America and ensuring that women receive necessary care. He reiterated HHS's stance on EMTALA, stating, "We stand by our position that EMTALA requires that all patients be offered an appropriate medical screening examination, stabilizing treatment, and transfer, if necessary, irrespective of any conflicting state laws or mandates that apply to specific procedures."
Xavier Becerra Secretary and Deputy Secretary
| hhs.gov
Reflecting on the broader implications of the Supreme Court's past decisions, Becerra noted, "When the Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it unleashed an unprecedented assault on reproductive rights, and every day we see the consequences." He added that under President Biden’s leadership, efforts have been made to work directly with providers, hospitals, and community leaders nationwide to manage the aftermath of this decision.
Becerra assured continued efforts to uphold laws related to emergency care and inform individuals about their rights under EMTALA. He stated HHS would make it easier for those denied care to file complaints.
"We will continue to take action to protect access to reproductive health care and continue the fight to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade once and for all," he concluded. "The stakes for women and their families could not be greater."
