Nearly two dozen Democratic state attorneys general sent a letter Monday to congressional leaders, insisting Republicans abandon efforts to insert language barring federal taxpayer funding for abortions into the extension of Obamacare premium subsidies. The letter challenges GOP efforts to add Hyde Amendment protections and defends abortion access under marketplace plans.
The letter, signed by 20 state attorneys general and Washington, D.C., was addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. It argued that requiring Hyde protections would “undermine the entire structure of the ACA marketplaces,” and strip states of their sovereignty to set health‑plan requirements, including those related to abortion.
The attorneys general described abortion as “life‑affirming and lifesaving” and said restrictions would affect hundreds of thousands of women in their states who depend on marketplace plans. They claimed that abortion coverage under such plans is already funded via separate surcharges — not general taxpayer dollars — and insisted the Hyde amendment does not apply. According to their letter, prohibiting abortion coverage would raise costs and cut access to essential reproductive care.
A coalition of over 100 pro‑life organizations pushed back last month, demanding GOP lawmakers attach Hyde Amendment language if the premium subsidies are extended. They noted that since the ACA’s passage in 2010 omitted Hyde protections, federal taxpayer funds have subsidized health plans covering elective abortion — by design. The groups call the surcharge “an accounting gimmick” that masks actual taxpayer support for abortion. They urged Congress not to extend subsidies without reinstating Hyde protections.
Senator Mike Rounds, speaking recently to Fox News Digital, said Republicans “have never, ever agreed to taxpayer funding of abortions.” He warned that Democrats’ refusal to accept Hyde protections might derail any bipartisan healthcare deal.
With tensions rising, Senate Republicans introduced their own subsidy‑extension proposal. But with Democrats’ opposition and time running out before Congress adjourns for the year, passage remains uncertain.
