Nearly two dozen states and municipalities are suing the federal government to stop a new rule that leaves health clinicians opposed to providing abortions and other services that conflict with their moral or religious beliefs. .
The complaint filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court asks a judge to block a rule of the Department of Health and Social Services.
The ministry said the rule required hospitals, universities, clinics and other federally funded entities to certify compliance with some 25 federal laws protecting conscience and religious rights.
Most laws deal with medical procedures such as abortion, sterilization and assisted suicide.
