Family planning clinics say they may defy Trump's new ban on abortion referrals

The White House's ban on abortion referrals has taken effect, causing mixed reactions for those on Long Island.

News 12 Staff

Jul 17, 2019, 11:51 PM

Updated 1,755 days ago

Share:

The White House's ban on abortion referrals has taken effect, causing mixed reactions for those on Long Island.

Abortion opponents, like Frank Russo of the American Family Association of New York, say this is a move in the right direction.

"We're allowing the killing of unborn life--it blows my mind," Russo says. "So I absolutely don't think the government should be funding this."

The head of Planned Parenthood of Nassau County says President Donald Trump's agenda is a clear attack on women's reproductive rights and could even disturb basic health care for low-income women.

"It's absurd to have politicians inserting themselves in women's reproductive health care decisions," Joann Smith says.

Smith is also concerned that women may face other trouble getting health care because of the act.

Title X was created in the 1970s and cares for women at independent clinics, many of which are affiliated with Planned Parenthood. The program provides millions of dollars a year in grants but does not fund abortion.

"Nevertheless the Trump administration has decided to tether federal funding under Title X to abortion care by saying those who provide abortion care may not have access to Title X funding," Smith said.

Some family planning clinics say they'll defy the new rules to ban abortion referrals.
Residents say that the issue is not cut and dry and depends on the situation.

The new regulations also require clinics maintain separate finances from abortion facilities.

The American Medical Association is looking to challenge the ban on abortion referrals.


More from News 12
1:52
Police: Child struck by vehicle in Spring Valley, taken to Westchester Medical Center

Police: Child struck by vehicle in Spring Valley, taken to Westchester Medical Center

1:39
Mild, temperatures in the 70s Tuesday in the Hudson Valley

Mild, temperatures in the 70s Tuesday in the Hudson Valley

1:56
Ceremony held to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day in White Plains

Ceremony held to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day in White Plains

1:42
24-year-old double organ transplant recipient hosts blood drive in Pomona

24-year-old double organ transplant recipient hosts blood drive in Pomona

1:49
SUNY Purchase faculty and students want disciplinary action against protesters dropped

SUNY Purchase faculty and students want disciplinary action against protesters dropped

0:50
Orange County cracks down on drivers who illegally pass school buses with cameras

Orange County cracks down on drivers who illegally pass school buses with cameras

1:36
‘Very best’ of PD: City of Newburgh promotes longtime lieutenant to chief

‘Very best’ of PD: City of Newburgh promotes longtime lieutenant to chief

0:23
State police work to ID body that washed ashore in Poughkeepsie

State police work to ID body that washed ashore in Poughkeepsie

1:01
Tuckahoe Village Board hears Ward House appeal

Tuckahoe Village Board hears Ward House appeal

0:35
Rockland DA: 23-year-old man indicted in New City driveway stabbing

Rockland DA: 23-year-old man indicted in New City driveway stabbing

1:11
SUNY Purchase creates ‘protest zone’ following encampment break up by police

SUNY Purchase creates ‘protest zone’ following encampment break up by police

1:53
FEMA awards Babbitt Court with grant to raise homes to reduce flooding

FEMA awards Babbitt Court with grant to raise homes to reduce flooding

2:15
Turn To Tara explores how to stay safe from ‘cyber kidnapping’ scams

Turn To Tara explores how to stay safe from ‘cyber kidnapping’ scams

1:20
Headlines: Putnam Valley man dies in excavating accident, 2 injured in Newburgh fire, man charged with larceny in Liberty

Headlines: Putnam Valley man dies in excavating accident, 2 injured in Newburgh fire, man charged with larceny in Liberty

0:45
Hudson River Clean Up Day celebrates 13th year

Hudson River Clean Up Day celebrates 13th year

0:47
New Rochelle hosts 'Cinco De Mile' charity event

New Rochelle hosts 'Cinco De Mile' charity event

1:51
Hundreds walk at Glen Island Park to raise money for multiple sclerosis research

Hundreds walk at Glen Island Park to raise money for multiple sclerosis research

0:30
Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

3:17
SUNY Purchase students hold quiet demonstration following arrests of protestors

SUNY Purchase students hold quiet demonstration following arrests of protestors