VIDEO: Biden establishes hospital abortion requirements
(NBC) - The Biden administration on Monday told hospitals that they "must" provide abortion services if the life of the mother is at risk.
In a letter to health care providers, health and human services Secretary Xavier Becerra said if abortion services are not provided when the mother's life is at risk, then the hospital will face penalties.
Becerra said federal law overrules state abortion bans in such cases because of the emergency medical treatment act and active labor act.
On Friday, President Biden signed an executive order that directs the HHS to protect abortion access.
At least nine states have banned the practice since the supreme court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.
