Issues, Etc. Strengthening the Hyde Amendment – Dr. Michael New, 1/13/26 (0121)
Jan 13, 2026
Dr. Michael New, a visiting professor and senior associate scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, dives deep into the Hyde Amendment, a crucial policy limiting federal abortion funding since 1976. He discusses why it matters for Medicaid and how it protects taxpayers. The conversation touches on Trump’s flexibility regarding Hyde during ACA negotiations and the shortcomings of Obama's executive order. New proposes ways to strengthen Hyde protections beyond Medicaid and emphasizes the importance of pro-life majorities for its preservation.
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Hyde Amendment's Function And Impact
- The Hyde Amendment prohibits federal Medicaid funds from paying for elective abortions and has been attached to annual appropriations since 1976.
- Dr. Michael New says the policy has saved over 2 million lives by making women less likely to obtain abortions when they must pay out of pocket.
Longstanding Bipartisan Support
- The Hyde Amendment enjoyed broad bipartisan support for decades, appearing in Clinton's and Obama's budgets multiple times.
- New highlights that bipartisan backing made taxpayer-abortion restrictions politically durable until recent shifts in party positions.
Seize ACA Subsidy Talks To Strengthen Hyde
- Use current negotiations over ACA subsidies to expand Hyde protections to prevent federal dollars from subsidizing abortion coverage on exchanges.
- Dr. Michael New urges Republicans in power to strengthen these protections now while they control Congress and the presidency.