Biden administration announces new steps to protect contraceptives, abortion medication on Roe anniversary

The Biden administration announced several actions to protect contraceptives, abortion access and emergency abortion care on what would have been Roe's 51st anniversary.

The Biden administration announced new steps Monday to expand access to contraception, abortion medication and emergency abortion care at hospitals on what would have been the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

It's the latest attempt by the federal government to preserve abortion access and protect reproductive health care since the Supreme Court's decision in June 2022 to end federal protections for abortion rights.

The initiatives are expected to be announced at a meeting President Joe Biden is holding Monday afternoon with his Task Force for Reproductive Healthcare Access, during which physicians who practice in states where abortion was restricted following the overturning of Roe will discuss their personal experiences.

To strengthen contraception access, the administration said it will implement several measures, including federal agencies issuing new guidance to "clarify standards" and make sure Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive medications are available for free under the Affordable Care Act.