FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 6, 2025
Contact: Alexis Wrease (302) 319-3307
DOVER – As reproductive healthcare faces increasing attacks nationwide, Delaware is breaking down one of the largest barriers to abortion care with the enactment of House Bill 110 (S2) (HB 110) at the start of 2025.
“I am incredibly proud to say that Delaware is leading the way in ensuring every woman has access to the care she needs—when she needs it. We stand firm in our belief that abortion is, without a doubt, healthcare,” said Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown, House Bill 110 prime sponsor. “As we prepare for the challenges of the next four years under a conservative federal administration, our work is far from finished. I remain fully committed to making Delaware a place where every individual can live safely, freely, and with the dignity they deserve.”
Delawareans are already benefiting from this legislation, which requires all health benefit plans delivered or issued for Medicaid, private health insurance plans, and state employee insurance plans to cover services related to the termination of pregnancy for up to $750. HB 110 also codified the abortion care coverage requirement for the state employee Group Health Insurance Plan and eliminated any cost-sharing, such as copays, for plan members.
“The enactment of House Bill 110 serves as a powerful reminder that our work as elected officials is about more than just passing legislation—it’s about changing lives. And because of this legislation, Delawareans have greater access to crucial abortion services,” said Sen. Kyle Evans Gay, House Bill 110 Senate prime sponsor. “Improving the lives of Delaware’s working families has always been my priority, which is why I have dedicated myself to expanding access and lowering the costs of the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare. As we face an uncertain future, I will remain unwavering in my commitment to protect the rights of our neighbors, ensuring they are able to make the best, safest decisions for their families—free from judgment and fear.”
With HB 110 now law, Delaware becomes one of 20 states that require funding for abortions under Medicaid.
“At ChristianaCare, we are committed to providing safe, timely, equitable access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care services for the communities we serve. We thank the General Assembly for passing legislation to implement insurance coverage for abortion services, as we work together to ensure that all Delawareans have access to the comprehensive health care they deserve,” said Bettina Tweardy Riveros, Chief Health Equity Officer, ChristianaCare.
In addition to HB 110, Sen. Gay and Rep. Minor-Brown worked together throughout the 152nd General Assembly to pass several bills focused on abortion care access, including Senate Bill 300 and Senate Bill 301.
“As Delaware’s sole abortion fund, we know firsthand that financial barriers are among the biggest obstacles to care. In 2024, we ran out of funds to support Delawareans seeking in-state abortion care every single month—often by mid-month. Many of those seeking help were on Medicaid, highlighting why HB 110 is so critical. And we are already seeing its positive impact,” said Sarah Stowens, Board President of the First State Abortion Fund. “This is a major victory for Delaware, and the FSAF is grateful to have dedicated leaders like Senator Gay and Representative Minor-Brown, who understand the importance of abortion access. We will continue working alongside community leaders, providers, and decision-makers to advance our shared vision of reproductive justice for all Delawareans.”
The Delaware General Assembly over the last few years has made great strides to expand access to reproductive healthcare, including the codification of Roe V. Wade, helping Delaware families access doula services, and establishing protections for IVF treatment and abortion care providers and out-of-state residents seeking or receiving reproductive health care services in Delaware.
“As the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Delaware, I applauded the enactment of House Bill 110, which marks a significant milestone in expanding abortion access for our community. This is a challenging time for reproductive rights across the country, and we are lucky to live in a state where not only is abortion codified, but we have so many legislative champions actively working to support our mission.We are proud to stand alongside Speaker of the House Melissa Minor-Brown and Senator Kyle Evans Gay for their commitment to advancing health care and reproductive rights. Their leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in passing this legislation that protects and expands access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare for all individuals,” said April Thomas-Jones, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Delaware.”
“By ensuring that Medicaid and state employee health insurance plans cover essential abortion care, we are taking a critical step toward equity in healthcare,” Thomas-Jones said. “By prioritizing these issues, our Delaware legislators have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to equality and justice. This legislation reflects our promise to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to all, regardless of economic status. I am thankful for the concerted efforts of all our lawmakers and advocates who have supported this cause, and we remain committed to advancing more policies that promote health and dignity for all Delawareans.”
###
