FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
06.20.19
Contact: Alexa Barrett, Communications Assistant
Email: alexa@equityfwd.org
Phone: (914) 602 - 3147
Ninth Circuit Allows “Gag Rule” To Go Into Effect
New York, NY – Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the Trump administration could enforce a domestic “gag rule,” which prohibits Title X providers from referring patients for abortion and requires health clinics to show that abortion services are physically and financially separated from Title X-funded family planning services.
“The Ninth Circuit’s decision today will prevent doctors from giving patients the critical information they need to make important health decisions,” said Michelle Kuppersmith, director of Equity Forward. “This rule is yet another example of the Trump administration’s overreach that could make it harder for women to access health care. Secretary Alex Azar and the unqualified ideologues who are responsible for this action should be held accountable for their conduct.”
In its decision, the Court granted HHS’s motion to temporarily block preliminary injunctions in California, Oregon and Washington, allowing the rule to go into effect in those states while appeals from the order are pending.
The case is California v. Azar, 2019 BL 226741, 9th Cir., Nos. 19-15974, 19-15979, 19-35386, 19-35394, 6/20/19.
For additional information on the officials at HHS responsible for this rule, visit https://equityfwd.org/title-x.
###