# US Hyde Amendment 50th anniversary > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-hyde-amendment-50th-anniversary > Updated: 2026-10-05T21:54:06.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The Hyde Amendment, a provision preventing federal taxpayer funds from being used for abortion services, is marking its 50th anniversary. Originally introduced in 1976 by Representative Henry Hyde, the amendment prohibits the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education from funding such services. Its legality was previously upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1980 case Harris v. McRae, where the court ruled the government has a “legitimate interest” in protecting potential human life. As the milestone is observed, the policy remains a point of significant debate. Proponents and organizations like Americans United for Life argue the amendment is a necessary measure, with the Charlotte Lozier Institute estimating it has saved approximately 2.67 million lives. Conversely, critics contend the restriction creates barriers to care for Indigenous people, military personnel, and low-income families. In response to the ongoing restriction, advocates for the EACH Act are urging Congress to pass legislation to overturn the amendment and expand reproductive healthcare access. While the EACH Act has received some bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, legislative efforts to change the policy continue. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-05: Hyde Amendment marks 50 years of restricting federal abortion funding As the Hyde Amendment marks 50 years of restricting federal abortion funding, advocates are pushing for the EACH Act to expand reproductive healthcare access for low-income populations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hyde-amendment-marks-50-years-of-restricting-federal-abortion-funding ### 2026-09-28: Hyde Amendment marks 50 years of preventing federal abortion funding The Hyde Amendment marks its 50th anniversary, a federal provision preventing taxpayer funding of abortions. Supporters estimate the policy has saved approximately 2.67 million lives since 1976. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hyde-amendment-marks-50-years-of-preventing-federal-abortion-funding --- Cite as: US Hyde Amendment 50th anniversary. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-hyde-amendment-50th-anniversary