Hyde Amendment Explained: Federal Abortion Funding, Trump’s Comments, and the Pro‑Life Response

Fr. Shenan Boquet explains how the Hyde Amendment limits federal abortion funding and why pro‑lifers see it as a cornerstone of U.S. pro‑life policy.

What is the Hyde Amendment — and why is it back in the news?

In this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet joins us to discuss this bipartisan federal policy that has prevented taxpayer funding of abortion for nearly 50 years. With recent comments from President Donald Trump raising questions about “flexibility” around Hyde, this conversation explains:

What the Hyde Amendment actually is (and what it isn’t)
Why it must be renewed every year
How it has saved millions of lives
Why abortion is not healthcare
How Hyde fits into federal healthcare policy, Medicaid, and insurance subsidies
What pro-lifers should make of current political debates
Why weakening Hyde would undermine state-level abortion policy after Dobbs

Fr. Boquet also explains how the Hyde Amendment serves as a moral and ideological bulwark against efforts to redefine abortion as healthcare — both in the U.S. and internationally.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand:
Pro-life public policy
Federal funding and abortion
The future of the Hyde Amendment
How Catholics and pro-lifers should respond in today’s political climate

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro to Hyde Amendment
02:52 What Is the Hyde Amendment? Explained
04:45 Lives Saved by the Hyde Amendment
06:12 Taxpayer Funding of Abortion
08:52 History of the Hyde Amendment
10:55 Global Impact of Hyde Amendment
12:04 Hyde Amendment vs Mexico City Policy
18:30 Why Abortion Isn't Medical Care
19:17 Trump's Recent Comments on Hyde
22:30 Affordable Care Act and Abortion Funding
25:40 Trump's Healthcare Vision: HSAs vs Subsidies
27:10 IRS Definition of Medical Care and Abortion
36:42 Is the Hyde Amendment Practical Today?
42:42 Moral Vision for Life & Family

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