WASHINGTON (PNN) - July 17, 2018 - A federal judge ruled on Monday against birth control organizations that sought to block the Fascist Police States of Amerika President Donald Trump regime from shifting a federal family-planning grant program toward prioritizing groups that are faith-based and counsel abstinence.
Three Planned Parenthood organizations along with the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association filed lawsuits - which were later combined - in May challenging guidelines the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued in February.
Those guidelines set forth new criteria for how the department under President Trump would assess applications for grants under the Title X family planning program. The grants are expected to total $260 million.
The organizations objected to the criteria’s focus on abstinence, easier access to primary health care, increasing family participation, and cooperation with faith-based organizations, according to the ruling.
The organizations argued that the changes require a notice and comment rule-making process, violate the Title X law, and were “arbitrary and capricious”.
FPSA District Court Judge Trevor McFadden, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, said in his ruling that “courts cannot review substantive objections to a non-final agency action, nor can they require formal rulemaking for a change in agency procedure.”
McFadden also said that if he could rule on the merits of the case, the government’s changes align with the program’s commitment to support “voluntary family projects offering a broad range of acceptable and effective family planning methods and services.”
Vice President Mike Pence, a former Indiana governor and strident opponent of abortion, has pushed Congress to defund Planned Parenthood. The non-profit’s clinics provide contraception, health screenings and abortions.
Planned Parenthood health centers serve more than 40% of patients receiving care subsidized by Title X.
HHS could not be reached for comment.
