WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is setting a timetable for federally funded family clinics to comply with a new rule that bars them from referring women for abortions.
The move comes as Planned Parenthood is threatening to leave the program over the restrictions, and a federal court in San Francisco plans to hear arguments in a lawsuit to block the regulation.
The Department of Health and Human Services sent notices to program participants Friday saying they must certify by Sep. 18 that they’re complying with most major provisions of the rule. Separately, plans on how the clinics intend to comply are due Aug. 19.
HHS says it will work individually with clinics making a “good-faith” effort. The agency says it has received no official notice from service providers planning to drop out.