Biden HHS secretary vows 'support' for abortion around the country in wake of Roe ruling

Biden Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on Tuesday vowed to throw the Biden administration's support behind abortion access in the United States, promising "support" for women seeking abortion in the post-Roe v. Wade American landscape. 

Becerra made the remarks at a press conference in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. "[I]f there is something we can do, we will find it and we will do it at HHS," he declared. "Indeed, that was the instruction I received from the President of the United States."

The secretary promised that the department would "take steps to increase access to medication abortion," "ensure patient privacy and nondiscrimination for patients seeking reproductive health care," ensuring that "clinical judgment of doctors and hospitals is supported in treating pregnant patients," and "ensur[ing] that all providers – from doctors to pharmacists -- and clinics have appropriate training and resources to handle family planning needs."

Becerra slammed the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade as "unconscionable" and "despicable" and claimed that the past week represents a "critical moment in history."

"We will leave no stone unturned," the secretary said of abortion. "All options are on the table."

The Supreme Court's Dobbs decision last week returned abortion regulations to the states; many states promptly outlawed abortion at various levels.