Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has joined four other Senators in signing an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court, led by U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.). The brief supports a challenge against the Biden administration's decision to withhold healthcare funding from Oklahoma unless the state refers women for abortions.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) suspended Title X Family Planning grant funding to the Oklahoma State Department of Health due to its refusal to refer for abortions. This action is claimed to violate the Weldon Amendment, which, similar to the Hyde Amendment, prohibits HHS from using federal funds for providing or referring abortions.

"The Biden administration’s decision to withhold crucial healthcare funding unless Oklahoma capitulates to its extreme abortion agenda is not just wrong; it sets a dangerous and coercive precedent. Access to essential healthcare should not be held hostage to advance a political agenda," stated Hyde-Smith, who chairs the Senate Pro-Life Caucus. "I’m proud to join Senator Lankford in this amicus brief to defend Oklahoma’s right to protect life and prevent the weaponization of federal funds."

"President Biden is obsessed with abortion on demand. Oklahomans should not have to miss out on funding for critical health services for women, including AIDS testing and cancer screenings, because of the administration’s extreme abortion agenda. I am proud to lead my colleagues on this brief that puts actual health care ahead of abortion," said Lankford.

The friend-of-the-court brief was also signed by U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.). Additionally, U.S. Congressman Michael Guest (R-Miss.) is among 13 House members who have signed the brief.

The amicus brief was filed last week by Americans United for Life on behalf of these lawmakers.