This bill gives states the power to kick abortion providers out of their Medicaid programs. Right now, Medicaid rules say that patients can use any qualified doctor or provider they want. This bill would change that by allowing states to ban abortion providers from Medicaid—with a few exceptions. Doctors and clinics could still participate in Medicaid if they perform abortions only in cases where the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest, or when the pregnancy itself is life-threatening to the woman.

In practical terms, this means that in states that choose to use this power, low-income women covered by Medicaid might lose access to abortion services at certain clinics or hospitals, even if those providers are otherwise qualified and available. Women would need to find other providers outside the Medicaid network, which could be difficult depending on where they live and what resources they have. The bill essentially lets states use their Medicaid funding as a tool to restrict abortion access, though it does carve out exceptions for medical emergencies and cases involving rape or incest.

Women’s Public Health and Safety Act

Lankford, James

Women's Public Health and Safety Act This bill allows a state to exclude from participation in the state's Medicaid program a provider that performs an abortion, unless (1) the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or (2) the woman suffers from a physical issue that would place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed. Under current law, a state plan for medical assistance must provide that any individual eligible for medical assistance may obtain required services from any provider qualified to perform them.