The city of San Francisco filed a lawsuit May 2 against the Trump administration over a final rule that eases healthcare workers' ability to refuse to provide care contradicting their religious or moral beliefs, according to CNBC.
The Trump administration's final rule builds off an executive order President Donald Trump signed in May 2017 aimed at safeguarding religious liberty. The rule will increase enforcement of 25 existing federal laws that protect conscience rights, the administration said.
In its lawsuit, San Francisco called the rule unconstituational, claiming it "would increase discrimination in healthcare" against the LGBTQ community and women. The city argued lifesaving treatment could be delayed if providers express moral opposition to some treatments, such as emergency abortions, HIV prevention treatment PrEP and naloxone.
The lawsuit names HHS, Secretary Alex Azar and Office for Civil Rights Director Roger Severino. It seeks declaratory and injunctive relief. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra also indicated he would challenge the rule, according to CNBC.
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