The federal Department of Health and Human Services yesterday notified Washington state officials that unless the state agrees to new terms that violate state law and long-established medical ethics and standards, it can no longer remain in the Title X program.
Gov. Jay Inslee, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, King County Executive Dow Constantine, legislators and other state leaders appeared today with Planned Parenthood advocates and patients in Seattle. They blasted the new rule which eliminates the ability of providers to advise, counsel and treat patients with the full range of legal and constitutionally protected reproductive care services. The rule disproportionately impacts lower-income women and families who seek medical services at local clinics and community providers. Ninety percent of Title X patients are low income.
Read the full story on the governor's Medium page.