The Hyde Amendment, Its Consequences, and Why It Must Be Repealed

Image: Repeal Hyde Art Project

In the United States, there is a little-known act called the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits the use of federal funding for abortion. Enacted in 1977 by Republican Senator Hyde and passed every year since, the Hyde Act has inflicted damage on everyone from Peace Corps volunteers to those on medicaid and medicare, to even US diplomats abroad. All of these instances have led to dangerous pregnancies, unwanted pregnancies, a lack of equitable healthcare, and near-death instances in many cases. Thanks to the Hyde Act everyone from the very top to the very bottom of our socioeconomic statuses in the United States is impacted by the Hyde Amendment. True equality cannot be reached until it is repealed, and abortion in all cases is considered healthcare that might be covered under federal funds.

The Hyde Amendment is not only a measure of gender discrimination passed by an anti-choice man and anti-choice legislatures every year since, but it also hurts people of color and individuals in poverty the most. In fact, the law’s sponsor even admitted that he was trying to hurt those on medicaid and medicare while passing the bill and securing his anti-choice legacy. With one in every ten *women relying on medicaid for services, especially those who are part of additional marginalized groups, the Hyde Amendmet perpetuates inequality throughout generations. This endangers the most vulnerable in society, by creating two classes: those who can pay out of pocket and those who cannot.

Additionally, the Hyde Amendment is arguably a threat to our democracy and democracy around the world. What does it say to other nations when US diplomatic representatives, individuals who are supposed to represent the best of America and its freedoms, are often unable to access reproductive healthcare for both wanted and unwanted pregnancies. How can we truly advocate for global gender equality and equity while our nation does not even support our own.

Clearly, the Hyde Amendment has devastating consequences that reach far beyond anything most have considered and must be repealed. The good news is that it is possible. In January of 2023, Democratic legislatures introduced the EACH ACT, which would repeal the Hyde Amendment that has gone on for far too long. You can write your senators and representatives, tell them you oppose the Hyde Amendment, and ask for them to oppose it as well. Legacy riders do not go away without advocacy, and we can help to grant all Americans both at home and serving abroad access to full reproductive healthcare. For more ways to get involved and advocate for abortion rights, please visit our website or Facebook, or download the Euki app.