San Francisco sues Trump administration over ‘conscience rule’

The city of San Francisco is suing the Trump administration over a new rule protecting religious freedom when it comes to medical care. HHS’ Office of Civil Rights issued a new rule last week to protect the religious and conscientious objections of health workers or other health care organizations to decline to perform or offer medical procedures. San Francisco officials said the rule from the administration “is unconscionable and unlawful,” adding, “It should be struck down in full.” Failing to comply with HHS’ rule could cost the city $1 billion in federal funding, the lawsuit states. Conservative groups have praised the new rule for protecting religious freedom, while progressive groups have decried the rule as potentially interfering with the kind of health care services that vulnerable groups — including transgender people — would get.