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District Court Judge Dismisses Maine Family Planning Lawsuit Fighting Abortion "Gag Rule"

A U.S. District Court Judge in Bangor has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Maine Family Planning against the Trump administration's so-called "gag rule."

The rule blocks health care providers who receive federal Title X funds to serve low-income patients from making referrals for abortion, even when a patient specifically asks.

George Hill, the CEO of Maine Family Planning, says the new rule violates free speech and is a federal overreach,“interfering in the conversation that has been taking place between patients and providers for decades and decades."

Maine Family Planning had been the statewide grantee for Title X funds in Maine, but withdrew from the program because of the new rule. Hill says his organization is considering whether to appeal the court's decision.

The rule is being litigated in other courts across the country.