WASHINGTON (AP) — The medical records of women will be shielded from criminal investigations if they cross state lines to seek an abortion where it is legal, under a new rule that the Biden administration finalized Monday.
The regulation, which is intended to protect women who live in states where abortion is illegal from prosecution, is almost certain to face legal challenges from anti-abortion advocates and criticism from abortion-rights advocates that it does not go far enough.
“No one should have their medical records used against them, their doctor or their loved one just because they sought or received lawful reproductive health care,” Jennifer Klein, the director of the White House Gender Policy Council, told reporters on Monday.
The new regulation is an update to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which prohibits medical providers and health insurers from divulging medical information about patients. Typically, however, law enforcement can access those records for investigations.
Yu Darvish pitches 5 scoreless innings as the Padres beat the Cubs 6
Trump says Arizona's abortion ban goes 'too far'
US Open champ Wyndham Clark takes a shot at LIV Golf after opening round of the Masters
Human remains were found at a former Hitler base, but decay prevents determining the cause of death
Heat never trail on the way to a 125
What to expect in Michigan's state house special elections
He once swore off politics. Now, this Georgia activist is trying to recruit people who seldom vote
The number of fish on US overfishing list reaches an all
Why more state abortion bans present opportunities for Democrats
New Liberia forest boss plans to increase exports, denies working with war criminal Charles Taylor
Donovan Mitchell scores 33 points, Cavaliers clinch playoff spot with 129