Prevent Denials of Care

The U.S. has seen an increase in laws and administrative policies that seek to deny access to healthcare under moral and religious objections. For example, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law that requires Medicare-participating hospitals with emergency departments to provide stabilizing treatment to any individual who arrives at the hospital experiencing an emergency medical condition. This includes a pregnant person experiencing an emergency for which abortion is the appropriate stabilizing treatment.

However, anti-abortion politicians have brought litigation to threaten EMTALA and passed state and federal laws carving out reproductive and gender affirming care under religious and moral objection clauses.  Therefore states should do everything possible to stop denials of care and prevent healthcare discrimination.

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This policy agenda includes model legislation and resources to improve access to reproductive healthcare. We urge legislators to use the models as a starting point and to work closely with state advocates and community members to craft solutions specific to your state’s needs. Each policy includes strategic recommendations and sample language tailored for different audiences. 

Have questions or want  to partner with SIX on crafting additions to the policy agenda? Email us at reproductiverights@stateinnovation.org.