In a Victory for Women’s Health, Federal Judge Announces He Will Overturn Gag Rule
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In a Victory for Women’s Health, Federal Judge Announces He Will Overturn Gag Rule
April 24, 2019, Washington, DC – The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today applauded the decision by a federal judge to prevent the Title X gag rule from taking effect on May 3. NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:
“The announcement by US District Judge Michael J. McShane of Oregon that he intends to block implementation of the Trump Administration’s gag rule is a victory for reproductive health, rights, and justice. The new rule would have prohibited providers from discussing the full range of pregnancy options and barred any family planning organization that offers or refers patients for abortions from receiving Title X funds. The nation’s premier family planning program primarily serves people struggling to make ends meet, young people, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals.
“The Trump policy clearly targeted Planned Parenthood, the nation’s oldest and largest family planning organization, which also provides primary care to millions of low-income patients. Lawsuits against the rule were filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Oregon by Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the American Medical Association, as well as by a coalition of more than 20 states.
“The case is one of several others filed in various states across the country. Challenges to the gag rule, part of a national campaign to save the Title X program from being used to place partisan, anti-abortion politics between patients and their doctors, will likely end up before the Supreme Court. The courts and Congress must work to find a permanent solution to defeat this dangerous, unconscionable, and illegal policy that jeopardizes the health of 4 million patients.”
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.