Denial of Care Rule
On May 28, 2019, the County of Santa Clara filed a federal lawsuit, together with a coalition of other affected organizations and providers, challenging a new Trump Administration rule that would invite healthcare workers to deny care to patients based on religious and moral beliefs. The County already has policies in place that comply with state and federal law by protecting patients and staff alike from discrimination, while requiring all staff to assist patients during a medical emergency. By contrast, the new Trump Administration rule unlawfully and unnecessarily elevates personal beliefs over medical care and would pose insurmountable operational challenges. If the rule goes into effect, healthcare providers risk losing federal funding for failure to comply. The County is bringing this legal challenge in partnership with Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Lambda Legal, and Mayor Brown and alongside several specialized health care clinics, physicians, and associations of medical professionals.
- November 6, 2019: U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York, Paul A. Engelmayer, vacated the Rule, which means it will not take effect on November 22, 2019.
- Motion for Summary Judgment
- Reply in Support of Motion for Summary Judgment
- July 11, 2019 NPR Story: 'Patients Will Die': One County's Challenge to Trump's 'Conscience Rights' Rule
- Motion for Nationwide Preliminary Injunction
- County Press Release: County of Santa Clara Leads Coalition Challenging Trump Administration Rule Under Which Patients Could Be Unlawfully Denied Medical Care (May 28, 2019)
- Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief