A presidential directive expanding access to family planning and birth control is set to be signed by US President Joe Biden on Friday, June 23.
One day before the anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the administration will issue an order as part of its efforts to boost reproductive health care. This is the sole policy response the administration will make in honor of the occasion.
Justice Clarence Thomas said in a concurring opinion that the Supreme Court should review whether there is a constitutional right to birth control, even though the majority judgment in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization focused on the right to abortion.
"Access to contraception has become even more important in the wake of Dobbs and the ensuing crisis in women's access to health care," said Jennifer Klein, head of the White House Gender Policy Council.
What's in the Executive Order?
Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Labor are all tasked with reviewing existing policies and developing new ones regarding birth control, such as ensuring that all FDA-approved, cleared, or granted contraceptives are covered by private health insurance.
According to The Hill, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates insurance companies to pay for certain preventative healthcare treatments for women, such as birth control and contraceptive counseling, at no cost to the patient. There are 18 different forms of birth control that have been authorized by the FDA, but insurance is only required to cover one kind of each.
According to Klein, some women who have private health insurance still experience hurdles in obtaining the contraception they need, which is why the executive order may enable agencies to mandate insurers to provide more birth control options.
Reuters reported that the directive also mandates that government agencies investigate methods to expand access to low-cost, nonprescription birth control options, including Plan B emergency contraception.
Not an Abortion Substitute
While some opponents of contraception have equated it with abortion, polls demonstrate that access to contraception has widespread bipartisan support.
Some people who oppose abortion argue that emergency contraception and intrauterine devices are "abortifacients" because they stop a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
Klein added that the directive is not tied to any specific deadline but is designed to send a message to government departments that the White House views this matter as a top priority.
Biden has issued two other abortion-related executive orders since a year ago. The purpose of one order is to help women who need to go out of state for abortions, while the other is meant to make sure that medical facilities are in line with federal law in case of an emergency.
Shortly after the Dobbs v. Jackson hearing, Biden issued a directive to protect the privacy of patients and preserve their right to obtain abortion and contraception.
The three directives provide federal agencies with a clear path to improve health care access. Yet, Klein cleared up that contraception does not replace abortion treatment.
