Family planning clinics say they may defy Trump's new ban on abortion referrals
Posted: Updated:The White House's ban on abortion referrals has taken effect, causing mixed reactions for those on Long Island.
Abortion opponents, like Frank Russo of the American Family Association of New York, say this is a move in the right direction.
"We're allowing the killing of unborn life--it blows my mind," Russo says. "So I absolutely don't think the government should be funding this."
The head of Planned Parenthood of Nassau County says President Donald Trump's agenda is a clear attack on women's reproductive rights and could even disturb basic health care for low-income women.
"It's absurd to have politicians inserting themselves in women's reproductive health care decisions," Joann Smith says.
Smith is also concerned that women may face other trouble getting health care because of the act.
Title X was created in the 1970s and cares for women at independent clinics, many of which are affiliated with Planned Parenthood. The program provides millions of dollars a year in grants but does not fund abortion.
"Nevertheless the Trump administration has decided to tether federal funding under Title X to abortion care by saying those who provide abortion care may not have access to Title X funding," Smith said.
Some family planning clinics say they'll defy the new rules to ban abortion referrals.
Residents say that the issue is not cut and dry and depends on the situation.
The new regulations also require clinics maintain separate finances from abortion facilities.
The American Medical Association is looking to challenge the ban on abortion referrals.
Top StoriesMore>>
Rep. Peter King becomes first Republican to support bill to ban assault weapons
Rep. Peter King becomes first Republican to support bill to ban assault weapons
A Long Island congressman has become the first House Republican to back legislation to ban assault weapons.A Long Island congressman has become the first House Republican to back legislation to ban assault weapons.10-year-old from Islip raises over $10K for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
10-year-old from Islip raises over $10K for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
An Islip child was honored Tuesday for donating thousands of dollars from his lemonade stand to help other children battling cancer.An Islip child was honored Tuesday for donating thousands of dollars from his lemonade stand to help other children battling cancer.Republican politicians seek action for controversial retirement payouts made in Long Beach
Republican politicians seek action for controversial retirement payouts made in Long Beach
Local politicians are calling for the resignations of several Long Beach officials following controversial retirement payouts worth thousands of dollars.Local politicians are calling for the resignations of several Long Beach officials following controversial retirement payouts worth thousands of dollars.Families call on Long Beach officials to repair broken memorial benches
Families call on Long Beach officials to repair broken memorial benches
Families are calling on Long Beach officials to fix dozens of broken benches that were dedicated to people who have died.Families are calling on Long Beach officials to fix dozens of broken benches that were dedicated to people who have died.Great Neck doctor facing dozens of weapon possession charges appears in court
Great Neck doctor facing dozens of weapon possession charges appears in court
A Great Neck plastic surgeon accused of threatening to kill his estranged wife appeared in Tuckahoe Village court Tuesday.A Great Neck plastic surgeon accused of threatening to kill his estranged wife appeared in Tuckahoe Village court Tuesday.
SlideshowsGalleriesMore>>
Performances, celebrations mark 50 years since Woodstock
Performances, celebrations mark 50 years since Woodstock
Tie-dyed pilgrims and white-haired Woodstock festival veterans converged at the generation-defining site in Bethel, New York, this weekend to celebrate its 50th anniversaryTie-dyed pilgrims and white-haired Woodstock festival veterans converged at the generation-defining site in Bethel, New York, this weekend to celebrate its 50th anniversaryRingo Starr and His All Starr Band rock Amphitheater at Bald Hill
Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band rock Amphitheater at Bald Hill
Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band performed at Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater in Farmingville.Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band performed at Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater in Farmingville.Memories of Woodstock on its 50th anniversary
Memories of Woodstock on its 50th anniversary
The three-day festival of love and music featured some of the biggest musical names from the summer of love, including Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and The Who.The three-day festival of love and music featured some of the biggest musical names from the summer of love, including Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and The Who.Guide: Thrilling roller coasters in the tri-state area
Guide: Thrilling roller coasters in the tri-state area
THE JOKER is located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ.
THE JOKER is located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ.
Looking for some excitement this summer? Check out some of these thrilling and extreme roller coasters, all located in the tri-state area.
Looking for some excitement this summer? Check out some of these thrilling and extreme roller coasters, all located in the tri-state area.
Your Long Island fishing photos
Your Long Island fishing photos
Your Long Island Fishing Photos
Did you catch the big one? Prove it...no fish stories here! Tweet or Instagram your photos using #LIFish and we may put it in this gallery or show on air.
Did you catch the big one? Prove it...no fish stories here! Tweet or Instagram your photos using #LIFish and we may put it in this gallery or show on air.
