President Joe Biden is being pushed by 83 House Democrats to declare a public health emergency for abortion access.

Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus are asking the President to use his authority under the PREP Act to help ensure continued access to medication abortion nationwide.

According to Newsmax:

“The Supreme Court’s radical and dangerous decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has precipitated a full-scale reproductive health crisis across our nation,” the letter states. “It has also plunged our health system into a state of uncertainty and upheaval that threatens patients’ lives.

“Abortion bans can unnecessarily impede lifesaving medical procedures in the event of pregnancy complications or loss. Health experts warn that in the aftermath of this disastrous ruling, the U.S. maternal mortality rate — which is already the highest in the developed world — is certain to rise, with disproportionate impacts on communities of color.”

The impact of this ruling is not limited to health systems in states where abortion is now illegal, they write: “Abortion providers have reported that patients in need of abortion are seeking care in other states, causing unprecedented strain on limited resources and delaying care for residents.”

If President Biden declares a public health emergency it can provide significant new authority and flexibility for federal emergency response.

“We respectfully urge you to quickly issue a National Emergency and Public Health Emergency declaration and use your authority under the PREP Act to protect abortion access,” the letter continues.