Health Care — Biden signs executive order on abortion access

Now that we’re halfway through the summer, it’s good to remember that you still have until September to take part in Maryland’s ice cream trail. What could be better than competitively eating ice cream? 

In health news, President Biden on Friday signed an executive order aimed at protecting access to some abortion services, though he reiterated Congress has the ultimate power. 

Welcome to Overnight Health Care, where we’re following the latest moves on policy and news affecting your health. For The Hill, we’re Peter Sullivan, Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi.

Biden unveils order to protect abortion access 

President Biden signed an executive order Friday aimed at preserving some access to abortion services, but again acknowledged Congress has ultimate control over the issue right now. 

“If you want to change the circumstance for women, and even little girls in this country, please go out and vote,” Biden said. 

The executive order builds off some of the administration’s previously announced efforts and is limited in scope. It provides some incremental measures to protect access to emergency medical care for women who will seek abortions in states that ban it. 

Pressure: Facing mounting pressure from Democrats and abortion rights advocates to be more forceful, Biden said voting in the midterm elections is the fastest way to ensure abortion rights are enshrined into law.   

“Let me be clear. While I wish it had not come to this, this is the fastest route available,” Biden said. “The fastest way to restore Roe is to pass a national law codifying Roe, which I will sign immediately upon its passage on my desk.” 

More action: Democrats generally praised Biden’s order, though progressives called it a first step and called for more action.  

• Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) tweeted: “Today’s actions are important first steps. The Administration should continue to explore every available option to protect access to abortion care.”  
• Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) released a statement, saying “I welcome the President’s actions today and urge him to work with us … by declaring a public health emergency to unlock critical flexibilities and resources to get patients the care they need now.” 

Read more here. 

House Democrats tee up votes on abortion bills 

House Democrats are planning to vote next week on a pair of bills aimed at protecting access to abortion as lawmakers try to chart a path forward in the post-Roe world. 

As lawmakers return to the Capitol for the first time since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the House plans to vote on legislation that will protect women who need to travel to seek an abortion if they live in a state that now bans it. 

Some Republican governors and anti-abortion groups are already eyeing laws that would criminalize women who try to seek abortions out of state.  

A second bill is an updated version of the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would codify abortion rights into law and expand on Roe’s protections. That bill passed the House last fall after…