Texas Sues Biden Admin Over Privacy Rule

Texas has sued the Biden administration to overturn a federal rule that protects the privacy of women who travel out of state for legal abortions. The rule, finalized in April, prohibits state officials from accessing medical records related to reproductive health care for investigations. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton argues that the rule undermines the state's law enforcement capabilities. The lawsuit claims the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act and exceeds the authority granted under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Biden administration, however, maintains that the rule is essential to protect the privacy of women's reproductive health information post-Roe v. Wade. The rule requires full compliance from providers and insurers by December.