Changes To Family Planning Funding Allowed To Go Into Effect As Larger Appeals Court Deliberates On Decision
The Trump administration regulations, which drew the court challenge, prohibit taxpayer-funded family planning clinics from discussing abortion with patients or referring patients to abortion providers. A smaller panel from the appeals court had ruled in favor of the change last month, but a fuller panel is set to reconsider that decision.
The Associated Press:
Appeals Court To Quickly Consider Trump Family Planning Rule
A federal appeals court says it intends to quickly consider whether the Trump administration can impose new abortion-related restrictions on federally funded family planning clinics. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday issued an order in lawsuits brought by more than 20 states and health care organizations challenging the new rules. The rules include a ban on taxpayer-funded clinics making abortion referrals. (7/11)
The Hill:
Appeals Court Denies Demands To Halt Trump Abortion Referral 'Gag Rule'
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against emergency petitions that sought to block the rule from taking effect while the changes are being challenged in court. That means the administration can enforce the rules, which block abortion providers like Planned Parenthood from the Title X program and bans providers in that program from referring women for abortions. (Hellmann, 7/11)
The San Francisco Chronicle:
Trump Judges Key Votes On Keeping Family-Planning Restrictions In Place For Now
The court, which Trump has regularly criticized for its rulings on immigration and other issues, has 16 judges appointed by Democratic presidents and 12 by Republicans — including seven by Trump — and one vacancy. Thursday’s panel, chosen by random draw, had seven judges appointed by Republicans and four by Democrats. (Egelko, 7/11)
CNN:
Appeals Court Lets Abortion-Referral Restriction Proceed
Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Leana Wen called Thursday's ruling "devastating news for the millions of people who rely on Title X" for a slew of reproductive health services. "While we are incredibly concerned the panel did not recognize the harm of the Trump-Pence administration's gag rule, we will not stop fighting for the millions across the country in need for care," Wen added in a statement. (Kelly, 7/11)
Los Angeles Times:
Setback For Planned Parenthood: Court Lets Trump’s Funding Cutoff Remain In Effect
Under the rule, recipients of federal funds may give women a list of providers that includes doctors who perform abortions but may not direct them to those physicians. The rule also requires providers to encourage patients to discuss their situation with their families and to tell single women about the benefits of abstinence. Julie Rabinovitz, president and CEO of Essential Access Health, one of the challengers in the case, called the 9th Circuit decision “a setback.” (Dolan, 7/11)
