Dem Gov Issues Executive Order Mandating Hospitals Provide ‘Emergency’ Abortions

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey issued an executive order Monday in response to the Idaho abortion ban, requiring hospitals to provide “emergency” abortions.

The executive order issued by Healey’s office provides protections for providers and out-of-state travelers coming to Massachusetts for an abortion. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on Idaho’s abortion ban in the coming days, where it will determine whether abortion procedures are protected under a federal law requiring doctors to provide “emergency” medical treatment.

The administration also expects insurers to cover abortions, as well as the expectation that the state will offer medical malpractice coverage for healthcare employees working in reproductive units, according to the executive order.

Hospitals and caregivers are required to follow the state and federal laws regarding the Federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which ensures public access to emergency medical treatment, regardless of ability to pay. Hospitals that fail to follow EMTALA are at risk of losing their license.

“With continued attacks on women’s health and freedom across the country, and the Supreme Court poised to rule any day now in a case that could prevent pregnant women from receiving emergency, life-saving treatment, we must continue to act. That’s why I’m signing an Executive Order today affirming that Massachusetts patients will continue to receive emergency abortion care at our hospitals regardless of the Supreme Court’s ruling,” Healey said