A federal judge in Spokane has struck down a Trump administration rule that would have given medical workers the right to refuse care to patients on religious or moral grounds.
Thursday’s decision mirrors a similar ruling in New York on Wednesday that also would prevent medical workers from refusing to participate in abortions and other procedures. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson says the Spokane decision means the court believes all state residents deserve the full range of health care services.
The lawsuit filed earlier this year argued that the rule would jeopardize access to reproductive health care, particularly for low-income people in rural areas. The suit says the rule would also allow providers to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals.
Ferguson says his office now has 25 consecutive legal victories against the Trump administration. (AP)
