What is the Hyde Amendment? BGOV Cheat Sheet

Federal funding for abortion is restricted through an annual rider on appropriations measures known as the Hyde amendment.

The provision prevents federal funds from being used for any abortion or for any health benefits coverage that includes the procedure, except in cases of rape or incest or when the woman’s life is in danger. It has been included in Health and Human Services Department (HHS) appropriations bills since fiscal 1977, when it was sponsored by former Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.).

Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.), seen in 1998, sponsored appropriations language to restrict federal funding of abortions that still bears his name.

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The initial amendment targeted Medicaid, which at the time covered most federally funded abortions, according to the Congressional ...