In a shocking move on July 15, the first steps were taken to remove the life-saving Hyde Amendment from the annual federal Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations (Labor-HHS) bill. The Hyde Amendment has prevented the use of US taxpayer funds to pay for abortion under federal programs including Medicaid.

This is the first time in the 45-year history of the Hyde Amendment, which has been credited with saving millions of lives, and supported by both Democrats and Republicans, that it has not been added to the appropriations bill.

After Roe v. Wade was handed down in 1973, various federal health programs, including Medicaid, simply started paying for elective abortions. By 1976, the federal Medicaid program was paying for about 300,000 elective abortions annually, and the number was escalating rapidly. An amendment by pro-life Congressman Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) to prevent federal Medicaid funds from paying for abortions was enacted.

“The elimination of the Hyde Amendment by pro-abortion Democrats destroys 45 years of remarkable bipartisan support for a measure aimed at saving human lives,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “This is a campaign by pro-abortion Democrats to ensure that abortion is available on demand, for any reason, at any time, and paid for with taxpayer dollars.”

The truth about the Hyde Amendment and taxpayer funding of abortion:

The Hyde Amendment has been renewed each appropriations cycle—with few changes—ever since it was first adopted in 1976.

The amendment has enjoyed bipartisan support over the years and has been supported by Congresses controlled by both parties as well as presidents from both parties.

In a 2021 Marist poll conducted in January, those who “oppose using tax dollars to pay for a woman’s abortion”—58% —is solid and consistent with prior polling. What is noticeable is that 65% of Independents and even 31% of Democrats oppose federal funding of abortion.

“The Hyde Amendment is widely recognized as having saved over two million American lives since it was first adopted in 1976,” said Jennifer Popik, J.D., legislative director of National Right to Life. “The Hyde Amendment has proven to be the greatest domestic abortion-reduction measure ever enacted by Congress.”

Also missing from the appropriations bills was Weldon Amendment language which would protect the conscience rights of medical providers and prevent them from being forced to participate in an abortion.

Representative Andy Harris, M.D., told the committee members, “I will tell you as a practicing physician, the Weldon Amendment is incredibly important at protecting people with deeply held conscience and religious beliefs from being forced to participate in something they don’t agree with.”

Pro-life Virginians need to make their voices heard on this vital issue immediately. A vote in the House could happen very soon. All of our Congressmen and Congresswomen need to receive our messages now. The Hyde Amendment must be restored to the Appropriations bill.

Virginians do not want our taxes used to pay for abortions!

Please use the VSHL Legislative Action Center to easily send your message to your Representative today!

Pro-life Virginians need to make their voices heard on this vital issue immediately. A vote in the House could happen very soon.  All of our Congressmen and Congresswomen need to receive our messages now. The Hyde Amendment must be restored to the Appropriations bill.

Virginians do not want our taxes used to pay for abortions!

Please use the VSHL Legislative Action Center to easily send your message to your Representative today!