Planned Parenthood claims federal family planning funding is tainted by Trump-Pence gag rule.

Byline: Jessica Perry

Planned Parenthood applauded the $8.3 million in federal family planning funding for New Jersey but is concerned about the Trump-Pence Administration's restrictions on the funding the Title X gag rule.

According to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey (PPAFNJ), the gag rule makes it illegal for health care providers in the Title X program to refer patients for an abortion, and it includes language specifically designed to block patients from coming to Planned Parenthood, threatening their health, their rights, and their lives.

Several of these restrictions are scheduled to go into effect on May 3.

Because of its commitment to ethical patient care, Planned Parenthood said that it would be impossible for the organization to continue participating in the program if these rules are put into effect.

"All patients, regardless of income, should have access to the best medical care and information possible," said Triste Brooks, president and chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey. "This gag rule would keep patients from having information about all of their options. We won't withhold critical information from our patients," Brooks said.

PPAFNJ contends that the Title X gag rule would dismantle the nation's birth control and reproductive health program. Title X is meant to ensure that people struggling to make...