A new rule regulating family planning grants could gut funding for Planned Parenthood Delaware and other groups.
Federal funding does not pay for abortion services. But the Trump Administration has released a new Title X rule barring family planning money going to groups that refer patients for abortions.
Ruth Lytle-Barnaby of Planned Parenthood Delaware said it will fight the new Title X rule.
“It is putting undue restrictions on providers based on what right now is a legal and Constitutionally-protected procedure,” she said.
Providers will still be allowed to discuss abortion with patients, but it’s no longer required. And abortions must now be performed in a separate facility.
But Lytle-Barnaby said there’s no medical need for a physical separation.
“It’s really just forth more barriers for women and again shaming abortion providers and shaming women for something that really has nothing to do with medical care,” she said.
Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council applauds the decision. He said in a statement Planned Parenthood will now have to choose between dropping their abortion services and moving them offsite.
"The finalized ‘protect life rule’ draws a bright line between abortion and family planning programs," he said.
But Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY's List, released a statement calling the final rule a domestic gag order.
"It effectively dismantles Title X, forces doctors to lie and forbids them from referring their patients for abortion, and prevents women from being able to access Planned Parenthood's services," she said.
Delaware’s Department of Public Health applies for federal family planning funding and then issues it to providers. A spokeswoman said it’s premature to know how the new rule will affect the distribution.
The money helps about 5,000 mostly low-income women across the state with services like with cancer screenings, birth control and wellness exams. The new rule is very likely to face a legal challenge.
