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 1,750 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
1:29
Elmsford School District addresses elimination of DEI director role

Elmsford School District addresses elimination of DEI director role

2:01
Summer feeling with highs in the 80s tomorrow in the Hudson Valley

Summer feeling with highs in the 80s tomorrow in the Hudson Valley

1:22
Pro-Palestinian protests make their way to SUNY New Paltz campus

Pro-Palestinian protests make their way to SUNY New Paltz campus

0:20
Guy Fieri to host Cinco de Mayo bottle signing event in Yonkers

Guy Fieri to host Cinco de Mayo bottle signing event in Yonkers

0:27
White Plains and Northern Westchester Hospitals given 'A' grades for patient safety

White Plains and Northern Westchester Hospitals given 'A' grades for patient safety

1:33
SUNY officials visit Yonkers to encourage high schoolers to complete financial aid applications

SUNY officials visit Yonkers to encourage high schoolers to complete financial aid applications

0:35
 Woman faces charges in assault incident at Yonkers Montessori Academy

Woman faces charges in assault incident at Yonkers Montessori Academy

1:48
Newburgh charity founder faces federal charges, accused of falsely claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient and stealing from the VA

Newburgh charity founder faces federal charges, accused of falsely claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient and stealing from the VA

Poughkeepsie Police investigate shootings of two teens, shooter at large

Poughkeepsie Police investigate shootings of two teens, shooter at large

0:30
Rockland County's American Eel Project underway

Rockland County's American Eel Project underway

0:53
Health care workers picket outside Phelps Hospital demanding better conditions

Health care workers picket outside Phelps Hospital demanding better conditions

0:41
Sen. Gillibrand announces passage of new bill to fight fentanyl crisis

Sen. Gillibrand announces passage of new bill to fight fentanyl crisis

0:31
Car drives into Whoo's Bar and Grill in Newburgh forcing its closure

Car drives into Whoo's Bar and Grill in Newburgh forcing its closure

0:33
Changes to recreational striped bass fishing regulations in the Hudson River

Changes to recreational striped bass fishing regulations in the Hudson River

0:20
Arrest made in Spring Valley stabbing case

Arrest made in Spring Valley stabbing case

0:31
Putnam County man killed in crash following pursuit

Putnam County man killed in crash following pursuit

0:51
Westchester County allocates $3 million for affordable housing in Mamaroneck

Westchester County allocates $3 million for affordable housing in Mamaroneck

2:15
Hazy and hot weather arrives Thursday before a weekend cooldown

Hazy and hot weather arrives Thursday before a weekend cooldown

0:32
Suspect arrested in fatal shooting at unlicensed cannabis store in Mount Vernon

Suspect arrested in fatal shooting at unlicensed cannabis store in Mount Vernon

0:56
Homeless man arrested for 20th time in Ulster County for possessing stolen items

Homeless man arrested for 20th time in Ulster County for possessing stolen items