Federal review raises stakes in abortion insurance coverage debate

At the center of the issue is the Weldon Amendment, a provision included in annual federal spending bills since 2005. The amendment prohibits government entities from discriminating against healthcare organizations that decline to provide, pay for, or refer patients for abortion services due to religious or moral objections. However, how broadly this protection applies – particularly to insurers, employers, and plan sponsors – has been a point of contention between administrations.