Judge strikes down Trump rule allowing conscientious objections for health workers

A federal judge in New York just struck down a Trump administration rule that would have allowed health care providers to refuse to perform certain procedures — including abortions — because of religious or moral objections. The decision came after various organizations, including the ACLU, as well as 19 states and the District of Columbia sued HHS in June to keep the rule from going into effect on Nov. 22. The plaintiffs argued that the rule was discriminatory and would prevent people from receiving essential health care services. The Trump administration, however, has prioritized allowances for “conscience provisions” when it comes to health entities receiving federal funding. In yesterday’s ruling, the judge said that HHS does not have the authority over many parts of the proposed rule, including terminating federal funding for noncompliance.