Women’s rights activists mobilize against president’s abortion proposal

<p>Women's rights activists are organizing resistance after President Donald Trump's move to impose new restrictions on federally funded family planning clinics like Planned Parenthood.</p>

News 12 Staff

May 23, 2018, 9:35 PM

Updated 2,176 days ago

Share:

Women's rights activists are organizing resistance after President Donald Trump's move to impose new restrictions on federally funded family planning clinics like Planned Parenthood.
The president has proposed barring clinics that receive federal Title X funding from providing abortions or advising women who are considering abortions in regards to where they should seek them.
"This ruling, it is a gag rule," says Nancy O'Keefe, of Planned Parenthood of Nassau County. "It prohibits providers from talking about abortion."
The president says the proposal is made with taxpayers' interests in mind.
"For decades, American taxpayers have been wrongly forced to subsidize the abortion industry," Trump said. "I pledge to stand for life, and as president, that's exactly what I've done."
But O'Keefe says it limits possibilities for women.
"That's a really dangerous road," she says. "Where do we stop when we don't provide people with the full range of options so they can make the best decisions for themselves?"
There is a 60-day public comment period on the Department of Health and Human Services website before the rule is implemented. Planned Parenthood is urging voters to make their voices heard there.
"We're going to fight it," O'Keefe says. "So hopefully it won't be implemented at all."
Planned Parenthood is holding a rally in Manhattan Thursday evening to protest the president's plan. There will also be rallies held at Health and Human Services offices in 10 states.


More from News 12
1:54
STORM WATCH: Risk of coastal flooding; rain and thunderstorms hit Wednesday morning

STORM WATCH: Risk of coastal flooding; rain and thunderstorms hit Wednesday morning

2:23
Stew Leonard’s considers 2nd attempt at bringing store to Orange

Stew Leonard’s considers 2nd attempt at bringing store to Orange

1:15
Residents at Bridgeport's Greene Homes community to be part of planning process for new complex

Residents at Bridgeport's Greene Homes community to be part of planning process for new complex

2:21
Stamford man recovers from rare Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Stamford man recovers from rare Rocky Mountain spotted fever

2:43
EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

0:53
Bridgeport plans to restore the Perry Memorial Arch

Bridgeport plans to restore the Perry Memorial Arch

0:30
Little Feat to headline Milford’s 50th Oyster Festival

Little Feat to headline Milford’s 50th Oyster Festival

0:41
US provides $3 million relief funding toward reconstructing Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk

US provides $3 million relief funding toward reconstructing Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk

0:42
AT&T lauds nearly $500M investment in network infrastructure across Connecticut

AT&T lauds nearly $500M investment in network infrastructure across Connecticut

0:32
'Be careful when you're on your cellphone'. Bridgeport officials relay safety message following pedestrian accidents

'Be careful when you're on your cellphone'. Bridgeport officials relay safety message following pedestrian accidents

0:30
CT lawmakers vote to extend sick days to nearly all workers; bill heads to governor's desk

CT lawmakers vote to extend sick days to nearly all workers; bill heads to governor's desk

1:43
Made in Connecticut: Fresh squeezed juice from Ripe Juice Bar

Made in Connecticut: Fresh squeezed juice from Ripe Juice Bar

Discounts and perks teachers can use all year

Discounts and perks teachers can use all year

Guide: Deals and freebies for health care workers

Guide: Deals and freebies for health care workers

1:43
Saravanaa Bhavan a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian cuisine opens in Stamford

Saravanaa Bhavan a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian cuisine opens in Stamford

Former Bridgeport official pleads guilty to charges related to primaries and election in 2017, 2018

Former Bridgeport official pleads guilty to charges related to primaries and election in 2017, 2018

2:11
Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

1:48
'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

0:36
Sen. Bob Duff recognizes employees who worked on reopening I-95 in Norwalk

Sen. Bob Duff recognizes employees who worked on reopening I-95 in Norwalk

0:20
Bridgeport PD: Pedestrian struck by car on Seaview Avenue

Bridgeport PD: Pedestrian struck by car on Seaview Avenue