US President Joe Biden said a federal law would be the “fastest way” to restore access to abortion as he signed an executive order to guarantee access last Friday. Calling the ruling in Dobbs vs. Jackson “an exercise in raw political power”, Biden’s order aims to protect women against penalties if they cross state lines for an abortion, while protecting access to medications. The order also addresses the transfer and sale of data related to abortion.
In itself, the order will only have a limited impact. The President’s power is curtailed by congressional provisions which prohibit the government from spending funds to support terminations, provisions Biden once backed. However, the President said on Sunday that he has asked his administration to consider whether he has the authority to declare an abortion-related public health emergency, suggesting his determination to fight the Dobbs ruling.
