Democrats Double-Down On Attempts To Block Title X Funding Changes That Two Judges Have Already Ruled Against
The Trump administration's changes to the Title X family planning grant program, which banned participating providers from referring women for abortions, has sparked a pushback both through the courts and in Congress. Critics call the changes a "gag rule" and say they are meant to target Planned Parenthood specifically. House Democrats have included language blocking the rule in their latest spending measure. Meanwhile, two separate judges have now ordered injunctions against the changes.
The Washington Post:
House Democrats Move To Block Trump Administration’s Abortion ‘Gag’ Rule
House Democrats moved Monday to block a new Trump administration rule aimed at restricting health-care providers from promoting abortions. Democrats included language in a newly released spending bill that would prevent the rule — termed a “gag rule” by critics — from taking effect, although it was already stayed by a federal judge. Democrats also included $50 million for gun violence research in the legislation released Monday, a massive spending bill for the departments of Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services. The two parties have been fighting over this issue for years, with Republicans using spending bills when they controlled the House to effectively block gun violence research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Werner, 4/29)
The Hill:
House Democrats Seek To Protect Planned Parenthood From Trump's Funding Cuts
“We’re going to keep the administration from trying to shut the doors of Planned Parenthood, which they’ve been trying to do since day one,” said Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), a member of the House Appropriations Committee. (Hellmann, 4/29)
The Oregonian:
Judge In Oregon Issues 2nd Nationwide Preliminary Injunction Halting Trump’s Rule On Abortion Referrals
U.S. District Judge Michael J. McShane on Monday granted the second nationwide preliminary injunction against new federal restrictions that bar taxpayer-funded family planning clinics from referring patients to abortion providers or from being housed in the same place as abortion services. The judge signaled from the bench last week that he planned to grant the injunction sought by 20 states, including Oregon, as well as the District of Columbia, Planned Parenthood and the American Medical Association. (Bernstein, 4/29)
The Associated Press:
US Judge In Oregon Blocks Trump Abortion Referral Rule
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Michael McShane in Eugene, Oregon, was the second nationwide injunction by a federal judge in the Pacific Northwest against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services attempt to implement new rules beginning Friday in the so-called Title X program. It provides comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services for low-income families or uninsured people. (4/29)
The Hill:
Second Federal Judge Blocks Trump Abortion Measures
"At worst, it is a ham-fisted approach to health policy that recklessly disregards the health outcomes of women, families, and communities. In the guise of 'program integrity,' the Gag Rule prevents doctors from behaving like informed professionals,” McShane wrote. “It prevents counselors from providing comprehensive counseling. It prevents low-income women from making an informed and independent medical decision.” (Budryk, 4/29)
In other abortion and family planning news —
The Associated Press:
Alabama House Ready To Debate Near Total Abortion Ban
Alabama lawmakers are set to debate a bill that would ban almost all abortions in the state. The House of Representatives on Tuesday will debate the proposal to make performing an abortion a felony. The bill contains an exemption for the mother's health but not for rape or incest. The legislation is purposely designed to conflict with the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion nationally. (4/30)
