Purl et al. v. Department of Health and Human Services et al.

Why this Matters:

The plaintiff challenges a federal rule that offers enhanced privacy protections for protected health information associated with reproductive health care. The plaintiff argues that the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act. This appeal addresses the court’s denial of a motion to intervene.

Potential Impact:

Women, their health care providers, and their loved ones could lose the benefit of heightened privacy protections in every state. While health care providers must still comply with long-standing HIPAA protections, the loss of privacy protections could further undermine access to a wide range of reproductive health care. This is especially true for women living in states with abortion bans who face fear, uncertainty, and barriers to obtaining reproductive care in states where it is lawful.