Biden administration issues new rule to protect privacy of those seeking reproductive health care: ‘No one should have to live in fear'

Patients have the right to medical privacy, even when seeking reproductive health care in another state, according to a new federal rule. The rule, known as the HIPAA Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy, prohibits the disclosure of a patient’s health information related to reproductive health care and strengthens privacy protections for patients, their families, and their doctors. The rule prevents medical records from being used against individuals who provide or receive reproductive health care, even if they travel to another state. The new rule is part of ongoing efforts to protect access to reproductive health care following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.