Planned Parenthood, Family Planning Nonprofits File Suit Against Trump Administration’s ‘Conscience’ Protections
The two lawsuits filed in Manhattan federal court say enforcing the expanded “conscience” rule would encourage discrimination against women, minorities, the poor, the uninsured, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people by curbing access to legal healthcare procedures, including life-saving treatments. A few dozen states and municipalities have already sued the government over the rule.
The Associated Press:
2 Health Organizations Sue To Stop New Federal Health Rules
Two health organizations sued the federal government Tuesday to stop a new policy creating obstacles for women seeking abortions. The National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association and Public Health Solutions Inc. sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Manhattan federal court, joining other women's groups, organizations and multiple states seeking to reverse the rule announced in February. (Neumeister, 6/11)
The Hill:
Advocates Sue Trump Administration Over 'Conscience Protection' Rule
The lawsuit claims the rule’s sweeping terms are also likely to embolden refusals to provide a range of other health services.
The final rule “imposes a virtually absolute obligation to accommodate employee objections, regardless of impact, giving employees carte blanche to refuse to do core aspects of their job and yet stay in their role,” the lawsuit stated. (Weixel, 6/11)
Reuters:
Planned Parenthood Sues U.S. To Block Rule That May Limit Abortions
"Trust is the cornerstone of the physician-patient relationship," Leana Wen, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement. "No one should have to worry if they will get the right care or information because of their providers' personal beliefs." HHS pledged to defend the rule vigorously. Planned Parenthood said the rule might affect more than 613,000 hospitals, health clinics, doctors' offices and nonprofits. (Stempel, 6/11)
NPR:
Santa Clara County Fights Trump's 'Conscience Rule' For Health Workers
Moral and religious objections to providing health care sometimes arise in medicine: A medical assistant might not agree with blood transfusions. A nurse might not want to assist in sex reassignment surgery. Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services put out a new rule that "implements full and robust enforcement" of existing laws that protect what the administration calls "conscience rights" for health care workers. The rule is set to go into effect on July 22. (Simmons-Duffin, 6/11)
Kaiser Health News:
Trump Administration Rule Would Undo Health Care Protections For LGBTQ Patients
A new Trump administration proposal would change the civil rights rules dictating whether providers must care for patients who are transgender or have had an abortion. Supporters of the approach say it protects the freedom of conscience, but opponents say it encourages discrimination. The sweeping proposal has implications for all Americans, though, because the Department of Health and Human Services seeks to change how far civil rights protections extend and how those protections are enforced. (Huetteman, 6/12)
