D.C. judge blocks White House safeguards against gender ideology

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration may not remove pro-LGBTQ curriculum from being taught in pregnancy prevention programs. The ruling strikes down a Department of Health and Human Services policy issued in July and meant to align federally funded pregnancy prevention programs with President Donald Trump’s executive order against gender ideology.

HHS’ July memo had informed program grantees that they may only teach curriculum that is medically accurate, age-appropriate, and serves to reduce teen pregnancy. HHS officials also reminded programs their curriculum could not include teachings that promote same-sex marriages or normalize sexual activity among minors. Planned Parenthood sued over the change and argued that HHS’ new policies were too vague.

What was the court’s rationale? U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled in the abortion giant’s favor, alleging HHS had no basis for requiring the changes. Howell wrote that the new program requirements were politically motivated and arbitrary. While the policy changes cited President Trump’s executive orders, they lacked evidence that they were based on reasoned decision-making and analysis meant to fulfill the congressionally mandated program requirements, she added. 

Dig deeper: Read my report from last week about Planned Parenthood facilities closing in several states.