A federal judge has ordered the immediate restoration of webpages and content from prominent government health websites. U.S. District Judge John Bates issued the order on February 11, 2025, affecting agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of Health and Human Services. The restoration involves data from January 30, 2025, and must be completed by the end of day Tuesday.
The order is part of a temporary restraining measure following claims by Doctors for America, a group asserting that its members rely on the websites for patient treatment and research purposes. The legal action arises in the context of President Trump's executive order on gender, prompting the removal of specific information from these websites.
Judge Bates highlighted the potential harm to Americans due to restricted access to essential healthcare information. In his 21-page opinion, he underscored the impact on vulnerable populations.
“… it bears emphasizing who ultimately bears the harm of defendants’ actions: everyday Americans, and most acutely, underprivileged Americans, seeking healthcare.” – U.S. District Judge John Bates
The restraining order mandates both parties to provide a joint status report by Thursday. This report should outline a proposed schedule for further proceedings in the case.
The dispute centers on the implications of President Trump's executive order, which led to the removal of critical information, impacting public access to healthcare resources. The judge's decision aims to mitigate these effects by ensuring that vital health information remains accessible to healthcare providers and the public.
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