Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Brendan Rascius

RFK Jr investigating 13 states for ‘coercing’ doctors to perform abortions

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched an investigation into 13 states for allegedly coercing doctors to perform abortions.
  • The probe centers on claims that these states violated the Weldon Amendment, a federal provision protecting healthcare providers who decline to offer, fund, or cover abortion services.
  • The states under investigation, which include California, Colorado, and New York, all voted for Kamala Harris in 2024.
  • An HHS official stated that the investigations were initiated because the prior administration had closed similar complaints, reflecting an “unduly narrow reading” of the statute.
  • These investigations are part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to restrict abortion access, following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, despite most Americans supporting legalized abortion.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.