Xavier Becerra, the secretary of health and human services, announced on Friday that he will embark on a national tour next week to advocate for the Biden administration’s efforts to protect and expand access to abortion.
The tour will kick off in Washington on Tuesday and will include stops in states across the West, such as Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico. Becerra plans to engage in round-table discussions with healthcare providers, family-planning organizations, and families impacted by restrictive state abortion laws.
Following the Supreme Court’s recent unanimous decision to reject a proposal to limit access to mifepristone, an abortion pill, Becerra expressed optimism about the news. However, he emphasized that the message he will convey during the tour remains urgent.
In an interview, Becerra stated, “A lot of women are still uncertain about their ability to access abortion. We want to ensure that individuals have accurate information about their rights, providers, and the timeline for obtaining an abortion.”
Although Becerra’s tour is not affiliated with President Biden’s re-election campaign, he will address reproductive rights in states with significant races in November. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, abortion has emerged as a focal point in elections, with Democrats relying on abortion rights to mobilize voters.
Former President Donald J. Trump has advocated for leaving abortion access decisions to individual states, leading several Republican candidates in swing-state races to align with his stance. This alignment underscores the GOP’s internal divisions on the issue.
Tasked by the White House to safeguard reproductive healthcare access, Becerra has been instrumental in collaborating with the Justice Department to ensure access to abortion pills. He has engaged with patients and providers nationwide, including visits to Planned Parenthood clinics in St. Louis and Minneapolis.
In his Friday interview, Becerra highlighted the challenges faced by women nationwide, including being denied care in emergency rooms, resorting to legal action to access treatment, or traveling long distances for care. Anti-abortion activists continue to seek restrictions on contraception and fertility treatments.
Becerra concluded, “Many individuals are currently grappling with confusion and fear, making it difficult to make informed decisions. Our goal is to provide clarity and support during this critical time.”
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