US reportedly weighs delay of curbs on abortion referrals
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has told federally funded family planning clinics it is considering a delay in enforcing a controversial rule that bars them from referring women for abortions.
Two people attending meetings this week between the Department of Health and Human Services and clinic representatives told The Associated Press that officials said the clinics should be given more time to comply with the rule’s new requirements. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly.
On Monday, agency officials announced the government would immediately begin enforcing the rule, catching the clinics off-guard and prompting outcry. Planned Parenthood said its 400 clinics would defy the requirement. The family planning program serves about 4 million women a year, and many low-income women get basic health care from the clinics.
The administration’s abortion restrictions are being challenged in court by groups representing the clinics, several states and the American Medical Association. The litigation is still in its early stages. An enforcement pause may allow for a clearer indication of where the court cases are headed.
The rule bars the family planning clinics from referring women for abortions. Abortion could still be discussed with patients, but only physicians or clinicians with advanced training could have those conversations. All pregnant patients would have to be referred for prenatal care, whether or not they request it. Minors would be encouraged to involve their parents in family planning decisions.
Under the rule, facilities that provide family planning services as well as abortions would have to strictly separate finances and physical space.
Known as Title X, the family-planning program funds a network of clinics, many operated by Planned Parenthood affiliates. The clinics also provide basic health services, including screening for cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. The program distributes about $260 million a year in grants to clinics, and those funds cannot be used to pay for abortions.