Delaware lawmakers introducing legislation for abortion

DELAWARE – Monday marks the 51st anniversary of the Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade. However, in June of 2022, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision from the same court undid that decades-old legal precedent.

On this year’s anniversary of the original case, Delaware lawmakers are pushing for legislation that they say would remove financial barriers for Delawareans seeking an abortion procedure.

Helen Salita with the ACLU of Delaware says the average cost of an abortion ranges from $500 to $791. Salita says although Delawareans’ access to abortion has been codified, this legislation would take an extra step to ensure that access; it would allow coverage through Medicaid.

“I think it is critical that the Delaware really step up and kind of pass this bill,” Salita said. “We have these values, but it’s time to really make sure that people have access to them.”

Lawmakers are still considering the bill, and legislative session still has months to go.