Hyde Amendment marks 50 years of restricting federal abortion funding

The Hyde Amendment, which prevents federal health programs such as Medicaid from using taxpayer funds for elective abortions, has reached its 50th anniversary. Originally proposed in 1976 by Representative Henry Hyde, the amendment was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1980, which ruled that the government has a “legitimate interest” in protecting potential human life.

Advocacy groups are currently divided on the policy. Supporters argue the amendment is a necessary measure to ensure taxpayer money does not fund procedures they consider morally objectionable. Conversely, critics argue the restriction creates significant barriers to care for low-income families, military personnel, and Indigenous people.

In response to the ongoing restriction, proponents of the EACH Act are urging Congress to pass legislation that would overturn the Hyde Amendment and expand reproductive healthcare access regardless of income level. While the EACH Act has gained some bipartisan support, with 20 supporters in the House and 34 in the Senate, advocates continue to call for increased legislative action.