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Washington state to sue Trump Administration over women's health care options

caption: Attorney General Bob Ferguson speaks during a community rally Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at El Centro De La Raza in Seattle.
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Attorney General Bob Ferguson speaks during a community rally Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at El Centro De La Raza in Seattle.
KUOW Photo/Megan Farmer

Washington state's attorney general has announced plans to sue the Trump Administration over changes to Title X, regarding women's health care options.

The changes would take away federal funding for Planned Parenthood and other health clinics that offer abortion services.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson said it would effectively take away reproductive health care, cancer screenings and other care services for the thousands of women that use the clinics in Washington state. Most of the women who use Title X funded clinics are low-income or live in rural areas.

Washington's lawsuit will be filed in U.S. District Court in eastern Washington.

In a news conference announcing the planned lawsuit, Ferguson said, "This case is about placing political ideology [and] politicians in the room where doctors and patients are discussing health care options. That is unacceptable. That is unacceptable and it is unlawful."

Ferguson said once the Trump Administration makes the changes, which are expected any day, Ferguson will ask the courts for a preliminary injunction to halt any Title X changes while his lawsuit is underway.

It marks Washington state's 34th lawsuit against the Trump administration.

Other states and organizations are expected to file similar lawsuits.

This post will be updated.

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