�鶹Ů��

A federal appeals court says it intends to quickly consider whether the Trump administration can impose new abortion-related restrictions on federally funded family planning clinics. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday issued an order in lawsuits brought by more than 20 states and health care organizations challenging the new rules. The rules include a ban on taxpayer-funded clinics making abortion referrals. (7/11)

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against emergency petitions that sought to block the rule from taking effect while the changes are being challenged in court. That means the administration can enforce the rules, which block abortion providers like Planned Parenthood from the Title X program and bans providers in that program from referring women for abortions. (Hellmann, 7/11)

The court, which Trump has regularly criticized for its rulings on immigration and other issues, has 16 judges appointed by Democratic presidents and 12 by Republicans — including seven by Trump — and one vacancy. Thursday’s panel, chosen by random draw, had seven judges appointed by Republicans and four by Democrats. (Egelko, 7/11)

Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Leana Wen called Thursday's ruling "devastating news for the millions of people who rely on Title X" for a slew of reproductive health services. "While we are incredibly concerned the panel did not recognize the harm of the Trump-Pence administration's gag rule, we will not stop fighting for the millions across the country in need for care," Wen added in a statement. (Kelly, 7/11)

Under the rule, recipients of federal funds may give women a list of providers that includes doctors who perform abortions but may not direct them to those physicians. The rule also requires providers to encourage patients to discuss their situation with their families and to tell single women about the benefits of abstinence. Julie Rabinovitz, president and CEO of Essential Access Health, one of the challengers in the case, called the 9th Circuit decision “a setback.” (Dolan, 7/11)