Executive Order 13535

Executive Order 13535 is an executive order announced by President Barack Obama on March 21, 2010, and signed on March 24. It reinforces a commitment to preservation of the Hyde Amendment's policy restricting federal funds for abortion within the context of recent health care legislation.^[1][2] The order was signed after an agreement with pro-life Democratic Congressman Bart Stupak, who had said he and several other pro-life Democrats in the House of Representatives would not support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act unless the Bill's language prohibiting federal funding of abortions was strengthened.^[3][4]

The executive order was condemned as ineffective by major pro-life organizations, including the Susan B. Anthony List,^[5] the National Right to Life Committee,^[5] the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops,^[6] Family Research Council,^[7] the American Family Association,^[8] Focus on the Family,^[8] and Americans United for Life,^[9] among others. The organizations said executive orders can be rescinded at any time by any administration.^[8] They also said the fact that an executive order was needed proves that the health care law did fund abortion.^[8] The National Right to Life Committee said the executive order did not correct seven provisions in the law they identified as objectionable.^[10]

Pro-choice groups also condemned the executive order, questioning Obama's commitment to the pro-choice position.^[5] The National Organization for Women,^[5] Planned Parenthood,^[11] NARAL Pro-Choice America,^[12] and EMILY's List^[13] were among pro-choice groups opposing the executive order.

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