Colorado state leaders say ruling in Title X Gag Rule case a big victory for women’s health

Apr. 29, 2019 (DENVER, Colo.)—Colorado leaders today praised a ruling from a federal court judge that blocks the Title X “Gag Rule” from going into effect.

The ruling, they said, is a big victory for women’s health because it prevents the federal government from restricting what healthcare providers can say to patients who receive health services under the Title X program. This program funds a broad range of family planning programs to help patients access birth control, breast and cervical cancer screenings, general health screenings, and other related health services.

“Title X is a critical source of healthcare funding in Colorado. In preventing the Gag Rule from going into effect, the judge made it clear that doctors and other healthcare providers must be able to give accurate medical information to their patients without the federal government telling them what they cannot say. This is a big victory for the rule of law, the Affordable Care Act, and the protection of women’s health. We must keep up the fight to protect healthcare in Colorado.” said Attorney General Phil Weiser.

“All Coloradans deserve access to quality health care in their communities with the freedom to make informed decisions with their providers,” said Governor Jared Polis. “The new rules would undermine access to critical health care services for women. While the court injunction is hopeful news, we look forward to a permanent solution that guarantees access to basic health care for women.”

“We are grateful that health care providers who receive Title X funding will be able to practice medicine without interference from a federal agency. These services are absolutely critical to ensuring that Colorado residents have access to quality health care,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

In March, Colorado joined 21 other states in filing a lawsuit in federal district court in Oregon challenging the constitutionality of the “Gag Rule” arguing that it will significantly restrict access to reproductive health services and information for women and families. Under the rule, providers in any clinic that receives Title X funding will be barred from referring a patient for an abortion, and in many circumstances even discussing an abortion with a patient. The new rule also mandates a referral for prenatal care for every pregnant patient, regardless of the needs or the wishes of the patient.

In Colorado, funding from Title X, along with State general funds, is used to support family planning services and outreach to communities traditionally lacking access to such services. In 2017, Colorado received $3.8 million in federal funding, which provided a range of services to more than 55,000 Coloradans throughout the state.

###

CONTACT
Lawrence Pacheco, Director of Communications
(720) 508-6553 office | (720) 245-4689 cell
Email: Lawrence.pacheco@coag.gov