The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to review a circuit court ruling that blocked a Biden administration directive requiring hospitals to provide emergency abortions in certain circumstances, even in states with strict abortion bans. The case, known as the Biden Emergency Care Abortion Case, involved a key conflict between state abortion restrictions and federal obligations under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).
Justices Decline Biden Administration’s Appeal
The justices denied a petition from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to weigh in on whether Texas’ abortion ban conflicts with EMTALA and the Fifth Circuit’s ruling. As is customary, the justices did not provide a detailed explanation for their decision, leaving the circuit court’s block on the Biden administration’s 2022 guidance in place.
This case, central to the Biden Emergency Care Abortion Case, stems from a lower court’s ruling siding with Texas and anti-abortion groups. The Fifth Circuit court blocked HHS guidance, arguing that the administration had overreached its authority under federal law, which ensures medical crisis care, including emergency abortions. The Texas district court’s decision to limit the enforcement of HHS’ directive played a pivotal role in shaping this outcome.
Federal Guidance Issued Post-Roe v. Wade Overturn
The Biden administration’s directive was issued in 2022, shortly after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protections for abortion. The guidance reminded hospitals of their obligations under EMTALA, a federal law that mandates emergency care at Medicare-funded hospitals, including abortions if medically necessary.
