HHS investigates states accused of forcing insurance coverage for abortions

Federal investigators planned to probe over a dozen states accused of violating a federal healthcare conscience law by forcing insurance companies to cover abortion costs, according to a Thursday release from the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS.

HHS accused 13 states of violating the Weldon Amendment, a federal law that protects the conscience rights of Americans. Weldon protects healthcare entities like insurers or plans from discrimination for refusing to pay for abortions due to conscience objections, according to HHS Office of Civil Rights Director Paula M. Stannard. These investigations will address any confusion or possible disregard of compliance with Weldon, Stannard said.

Which states are under investigation? HHS did not list the states under investigation. However, states with public policies requiring private insurance coverage for abortion include California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Delaware and Massachusetts also require insurance plans to include abortion coverage.