Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Administration Blocking Two More Pregnant, Immigrant Girls From Getting Abortions, ACLU Says
The Associated Press: Lawsuit: 2 Immigrant Teens In US Custody Can’t Get Abortions
President Donald Trump’s administration is blocking two pregnant teens in the country illegally and being held in federal custody from obtaining abortions, the American Civil Liberties Union said Friday, a repeat of the situation that led to a high-profile court fight earlier this year. Both girls arrived in the country as unaccompanied minors and are being held in federal shelters, the ACLU said, though it didn’t say where. The ACLU earlier this year represented a pregnant teen in the same circumstances in Texas, helping her obtain an abortion following a lawsuit. (Gresko, 12/15)
The Hill: ACLU Fighting Trump Over Abortion Access For Two Undocumented Immigrants
The Trump administration defended the move, with the Department of Health and Human Services's (HHS) Administration for Children and Families saying the minors could leave the country or "find a suitable sponsor." “The minors in this case—who entered the country illegally—have the option to voluntarily depart to their home country or find a suitable sponsor. If they choose not to exercise these options, HHS does not believe we are required to facilitate the abortion," it said in a statement. (Greenwood, 12/15)
