HHS to review current practices to ensure fed dollars not paying for abortions
Dr. Dorothy Fink, the acting secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently made an important announcement regarding the agency’s practices. Fink revealed that HHS would be conducting a comprehensive review of its current procedures to ensure that federal funds are not being used to promote non-medically necessary abortions.
The Office of Civil Rights within HHS has been assigned the task of investigating whether the agency’s programs, regulations, and guidance adhere to federal guidelines outlined in the Hyde Amendment. This review, as stated by Fink in a Monday announcement, will be carried out through guidance provided by the Office of Management and Budget.
In her statement, Fink emphasized the Department’s commitment to upholding the laws that protect the rights of conscience and religious exercise in the United States. She highlighted that it is a priority for HHS to strengthen the enforcement of these laws, particularly in relation to the use of federal funds for elective abortions.
The decision to reevaluate HHS’s practices aligns with President Donald Trump’s recent executive order issued on January 24. The executive order directs all executive agencies to enforce laws under the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits the use of federal funds for non-medically necessary abortions. Additionally, the executive order rescinded two previous orders by President Joe Biden that aimed to relax restrictions on abortion following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Fink’s announcement also commended the Trump administration’s swift action to rejoin the international Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women’s Health and Strengthening the Family. This declaration emphasizes the protection of life at all stages and the importance of the family unit in society.
Despite an ongoing external communications freeze imposed by the Trump administration, essential agency functions such as the review of HHS practices under the Hyde Amendment have been allowed to proceed. Fink’s announcement was made within this context, raising questions about the timing and nature of the communication freeze.
Furthermore, Fink’s statement highlighted the Office of Global Affairs within HHS’s commitment to supporting the U.S.’s efforts in promoting women’s health and upholding the values outlined in the Geneva Consensus Declaration. This collaboration aims to achieve meaningful health and development outcomes for women while defending the sanctity of life and the family unit.
In conclusion, the reevaluation of HHS’s practices under the Hyde Amendment reflects the Department’s dedication to enforcing laws that protect taxpayer funds from being used for non-medically necessary abortions. The decision to conduct a thorough review underscores HHS’s commitment to upholding the fundamental rights of conscience and religious freedom in healthcare practices.
