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 Hyde 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.

Charlotte Lozier Study on Hyde’s 40-Year Impact: Charlotte Lozier 2016 Study

2023 Knights of Columbus-Marist Poll: New 2023 Knights of Columbus–Marist Poll

Get your free e-book on why abortion is never necessary here: Ever Have Trouble Explaining Why Abortion is NEVER Needed?