Case: Oklahoma v. United States Department of Health and Human Services

5:23-cv-01052 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma

Filed Date: Nov. 17, 2023

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This lawsuit challenges the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’s (HHS) suspension and termination of millions of dollars of Title X grant funding to Oklahoma. It is alleged that the funding has been terminated solely because Oklahoma will not commit to providing referrals for abortion, even though Title X expressly prohibits federal money from being directed toward abortion. This comes after the Biden Administration’s 2021 instruction that each state must nevertheless “[o]ffer pregnan…

This lawsuit challenges the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’s (HHS) suspension and termination of millions of dollars of Title X grant funding to Oklahoma. It is alleged that the funding has been terminated solely because Oklahoma will not commit to providing referrals for abortion, even though Title X expressly prohibits federal money from being directed toward abortion. This comes after the Biden Administration’s 2021 instruction that each state must nevertheless “[o]ffer pregnant clients the opportunity to be provided information and counseling regarding … [p]regnancy termination.” Because of Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 861, which makes it a felony under OK law for any person to advise or procure an abortion for any woman, Oklahoma cannot comply with this directive.

On November 17, 2023, the State of Oklahoma filed the lawsuit. The plaintiff sued HHS and the Office of Population Affairs, a federal sub-agency within HHS responsible for administering and directly overseeing the Title X program. Plaintiff alleged that HHS’s decision violated four parts of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 706. Plaintiffs sought declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, to permanently enjoy Defendants, retroactive reinstatement of funds, and attorney’s fees.

On January 26, 2024, Plaintiff moved for a preliminary injunction while awaiting the defendant's answer, requesting an expedited ruling on their motion. On March 26, 2024, the court listened to oral arguments before giving an order denying plaintiff’s motion for preliminary injunction. On April 1, 2024, the plaintiff appealed this decision to the Tenth Circuit. On July 15, 2024, the Tenth Circuit issued its opinion affirming the initial court’s ruling and held that Oklahoma failed to establish a likelihood of success on any of its claims. The state of Oklahoma then applied to the Supreme Court for review, which was denied while the case continues in lower courts.

On October 21, 2024, plaintiff petitioned for a writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court.

This case remains ongoing.

 

Summary Authors

Claire Pollard (11/22/2024)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68020821/parties/oklahoma-state-of-v-united-states-department-of-health-and-human-services/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendant

Clendenen, Michael Patrick (Oklahoma)

Dixon, Courtney (Oklahoma)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Beck, Andrew (Oklahoma)

Becker-Cohen, Miriam (Oklahoma)

Bursch, John J. (Oklahoma)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

5:23-cv-01052

Complaint

Nov. 17, 2023

Nov. 17, 2023

Complaint
57

5:23-cv-01052

Petition for Writ of Certiorari - Supreme Court

Oklahoma v. United States Department of Health

Supreme Court of the United States

Oct. 21, 2024

Oct. 21, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68020821/oklahoma-state-of-v-united-states-department-of-health-and-human-services/

Last updated July 11, 2026, 6:07 a.m.

Docket for: Oklahoma State of v. United States Department of Health and Human Services
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Nov. 17, 2023

COMPLAINT against Xavier Becerra, Jessica S Marcella, Office of Population Affairs, United States Department of Health and Human Services filed by Oklahoma State of. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - OSDH program review report, # 2 Exhibit 2 - HHS Suspension Letter, # 3 Exhibit 3 - HHS Term Notice, # 4 Exhibit 4 - Administrative Appeal, # 5 Civil Cover Sheet)(naa) (Entered: 11/20/2023)

1 Exhibit 1 - OSDH program review report

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2 Exhibit 2 - HHS Suspension Letter

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3 Exhibit 3 - HHS Term Notice

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4 Exhibit 4 - Administrative Appeal

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5 Civil Cover Sheet

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Clearinghouse
2 Nov. 20, 2023

Summons Issued Electronically as to Xavier Becerra, Jessica S Marcella, Office of Population Affairs, United States Department of Health and Human Services. (naa) (Entered: 11/20/2023)

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3 Nov. 20, 2023

ENTRY of Appearance by J Miles McFadden on behalf of Oklahoma State of (McFadden, J) (Entered: 11/20/2023)

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4 Nov. 20, 2023

ENTRY of Appearance by R Tom Hillis on behalf of Oklahoma State of (Hillis, R) (Entered: 11/20/2023)

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5 Nov. 20, 2023

ENTRY of Appearance by Audrey A Weaver on behalf of Oklahoma State of (Weaver, Audrey) (Entered: 11/20/2023)

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6 Nov. 20, 2023

ENTRY of Appearance by Garry M Gaskins, II on behalf of Oklahoma State of (Gaskins, Garry) (Entered: 11/20/2023)

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7 Nov. 20, 2023

ENTRY of Appearance by Zachary P West on behalf of Oklahoma State of (West, Zachary) (Entered: 11/20/2023)

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8 Nov. 20, 2023

ENTRY of Appearance by Barry G Reynolds on behalf of Oklahoma State of (Reynolds, Barry) (Entered: 11/20/2023)

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Nov. 20, 2023

Payment for a Civil Case

Nov. 20, 2023

PAYMENT FOR A CIVIL CASE Filing fee $ 402, receipt number AOKWDC-4298684. (McFadden, J)

9 Dec. 4, 2023

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED by Oklahoma State of. Office of Population Affairs served on 11/22/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Return Green Card)(Hillis, R) (Entered: 12/04/2023)

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10 Dec. 4, 2023

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED by Oklahoma State of. United States Department of Health and Human Services served on 11/22/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Return Green Card)(Hillis, R) (Entered: 12/04/2023)

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11 Dec. 4, 2023

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED by Oklahoma State of. Jessica S Marcella served on 11/30/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Return Service Docs)(Hillis, R) (Entered: 12/04/2023)

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12 Dec. 4, 2023

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED by Oklahoma State of. United States Department of Health and Human Services served on 12/4/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Return Service Docs)(Hillis, R) (Entered: 12/04/2023)

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13 Dec. 4, 2023

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED by Oklahoma State of. Jessica S Marcella served on 12/4/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Return Service Docs)(Hillis, R) (Entered: 12/04/2023)

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14 Dec. 15, 2023

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED by Oklahoma State of. Jessica S Marcella served on 12/8/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Return Service Docs)(Hillis, R) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

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15 Dec. 15, 2023

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED by Oklahoma State of. Office of Population Affairs served on 12/8/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Return Service Docs)(Hillis, R) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

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16 Dec. 15, 2023

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED by Oklahoma State of. Xavier Becerra served on 11/28/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Return Service Docs)(Hillis, R) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

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17 Dec. 15, 2023

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED by Oklahoma State of. Xavier Becerra served on 11/24/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Return Service Docs)(Hillis, R) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

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18 Dec. 15, 2023

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED by Oklahoma State of. Xavier Becerra served on 11/22/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Return Service Docs)(Hillis, R) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

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19 Jan. 18, 2024

ENTRY of Appearance by Robert C Merritt on behalf of All Defendants (Merritt, Robert). Document flattened to optimize CM/ECF display; no other changes made Modified on 2/20/2024 (naa). (Entered: 01/18/2024)

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20 Jan. 18, 2024

UNOPPOSED MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer or Otherwise Respond to Complaint by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Merritt, Robert) (Entered: 01/18/2024)

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21 Jan. 19, 2024

ORDER granting 20 defendants' unopposed motion for extension of time. Defendants shall file their answer or other responsive pleading to plaintiff's complaint not later than 02/21/2024. Signed by Judge Joe Heaton on 01/19/2024. (lam) (Entered: 01/19/2024)

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22 Jan. 22, 2024

ENTRY of Appearance by Michael Patrick Clendenen on behalf of Xavier Becerra, Jessica S Marcella, Office of Population Affairs, United States Department of Health and Human Services (Clendenen, Michael). Document flattened to optimize CM/ECF display; no other changes made . Modified on 2/20/2024 (naa). (Entered: 01/22/2024)

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23 Jan. 26, 2024

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction and Opening Brief in Support by Oklahoma State of. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Declaration of Tina Johnson, # 2 Exhibit 2 - 2016 Program Review, # 3 Exhibit 3 - Notice of Award, # 4 Exhibit 4 - HHS Suspension Letter, # 5 Exhibit 5 - HHS Termination Notice, # 6 Exhibit 6 - Administrative Appeal)(Hillis, R) (Entered: 01/26/2024)

1 Exhibit 1 - Declaration of Tina Johnson

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2 Exhibit 2 - 2016 Program Review

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3 Exhibit 3 - Notice of Award

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4 Exhibit 4 - HHS Suspension Letter

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5 Exhibit 5 - HHS Termination Notice

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6 Exhibit 6 - Administrative Appeal

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24 Jan. 30, 2024

ENTRY of Appearance by Alexandra Rachel Saslaw on behalf of All Defendants (Saslaw, Alexandra) document flattened to optimize CM/ECF display; no other changes made . Modified on 2/8/2024 (naa). (Entered: 01/30/2024)

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25 Jan. 30, 2024

JOINT MOTION for Order Entering Scheduling Order for Preliminary Injunction Briefing and for an Expedited Ruling on Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Oklahoma State of. (Hillis, R) (Entered: 01/30/2024)

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26 Jan. 31, 2024

ORDER granting 25 the joint motion of the parties for scheduling order and expedited ruling to this extent: 1) defendants' response to the preliminary injunction motion shall be filed by 02/23/2024; and 2) plaintiff's reply brief, if any, shall be filed by 03/01/2024. The deadline for defendants to file their answer or other responsive pleading is not altered by this order. Signed by Judge Joe Heaton on 01/31/2024. (lam) (Entered: 01/31/2024)

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27 Feb. 21, 2024

ANSWER to Complaint by All Defendants.(Saslaw, Alexandra) (Entered: 02/21/2024)

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28 Feb. 23, 2024

RESPONSE in Opposition re 23 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction and Opening Brief in Support filed by Xavier Becerra, Jessica S Marcella, Office of Population Affairs, United States Department of Health and Human Services. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D)(Clendenen, Michael) (Entered: 02/23/2024)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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4 Exhibit D

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29 March 1, 2024

REPLY by Plaintiff Oklahoma State of in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Oklahoma State of. (Hillis, R) (Entered: 03/01/2024)

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30 March 12, 2024

ORDER Setting Hearing on Motion 23 plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction. The motion is set for hearing on 03/27/2024 @ 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom No. 501 before Judge Joe Heaton. Any party anticipating offering evidence at the hearing is directed to indicate by an appropriate filing not later than 03/20/2024. See order for further specifics. Signed by Judge Joe Heaton on 03/12/2024. (lam) (Entered: 03/12/2024)

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31 March 13, 2024

NOTICE (other) by Xavier Becerra, Jessica S Marcella, Office of Population Affairs, United States Department of Health and Human Services of Supplemental Authority (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Mem. Op. in Tennessee v. U.S. Dep't of Health & Human Servs.)(Clendenen, Michael) (Entered: 03/13/2024)

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32 March 15, 2024

RESPONSE re 31 Notice (other), filed by Oklahoma State of. (Hillis, R) (Entered: 03/15/2024)

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33 March 18, 2024

ENTER ORDER the 03/27/2024 hearing on plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction 23 is RESET to 03/26/2024 at 1:30 p.m., in Courtroom No. 501. Signed by Judge Joe Heaton on 03/18/2024. (lam) (Entered: 03/18/2024)

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34 March 20, 2024

NOTICE (other) by Oklahoma State of Intent to Offer Evidence (Hillis, R) (Entered: 03/20/2024)

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35 March 26, 2024

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Joe Heaton: Non-Evidentiary hearing held 03/26/2024 on plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction 23 filed 01/26/2024. Counsel for the parties present. The court hears oral arguments from counsel for the State of Oklahoma and counsel for defendants. For the reasons stated from the bench plaintiffs motion for preliminary injunction 23 is DENIED. Parties to file a joint status report as to how the parties anticipate going forward in light of the courts denial of plaintiffs motion within 3 weeks. Written order to follow. (Court Reporter Susan Fenimore.) (lam) (Entered: 03/26/2024)

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36 March 26, 2024

ORDER denying 23 plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction for the reasons stated from the bench at the hearing held this date. Signed by Judge Joe Heaton on 03/26/2024. (lam) (Entered: 03/26/2024)

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37 March 27, 2024

ENTRY of Appearance by Allyson Scher on behalf of All Defendants (Scher, Allyson) Document flattened to optimize CM/ECF display; no other changes made . Modified on 3/27/2024 (naa). (Entered: 03/27/2024)

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38 March 29, 2024

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings held on 3-26-24 before Judge Heaton. Court Reporter: Susan Fenimore, Telephone number 405-609-5145. Transcript of: Proceedings Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Redaction Request due 4/19/2024. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 4/29/2024. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 6/27/2024. (sf) (Entered: 03/29/2024)

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39 April 1, 2024

NOTICE OF APPEAL as to 36 Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Oklahoma State of. (Hillis, R) (Entered: 04/01/2024)

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40 April 1, 2024

PRELIMINARY RECORD LETTER - Electronic Transmission of Notice of Appeal with Preliminary Record sent to Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals re 39 Notice of Appeal (Attachments: # 1 Attachment 1 - Preliminary Record on Appeal)(naa) (Entered: 04/01/2024)

1 Attachment 1 - Preliminary Record on Appeal

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41 April 1, 2024

USCA Appeal Fee received in the amount of $ 605, receipt number 500006302, re 39 Notice of Appeal filed by Oklahoma State of (naa) (Entered: 04/01/2024)

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42 April 1, 2024

Tenth Circuit USCA Case Number 24-6063 for 39 Notice of Appeal filed by Oklahoma State of. Civil case docketed. Preliminary record filed. DATE RECEIVED: 04/01/2024 Docketing statement and transcript order form due 04/15/2024 for State of Oklahoma. Notice of appearance due on 04/15/2024 for Xavier Becerra, Jessica S. Marcella, Office of Population Affairs, State of Oklahoma and United States Department of Health, and Human Services, Secretary of [24-6063] (naa) (Entered: 04/02/2024)

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43 April 2, 2024

TRANSCRIPT Order Form by Oklahoma State of re 39 Notice of Appeal that transcripts are necessary. See order form for dates and proceedings. (Hillis, R) (Entered: 04/02/2024)

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44 April 4, 2024

TRANSCRIPT Order Form by Susan Fenimore re 39 Notice of Appeal that transcripts are necessary. See order form for dates and proceedings. Estimated completion date Already Completed. (sf) (Entered: 04/04/2024)

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45 April 12, 2024

TRANSCRIPT LETTER advising Transcripts are necessary re 39 Notice of Appeal filed by Oklahoma State of. The record is ready for appeal purposes. (naa) (Entered: 04/12/2024)

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46 April 16, 2024

JOINT STATUS REPORT by Defendants Xavier Becerra, Jessica S Marcella, Office of Population Affairs, United States Department of Health and Human Services. (Clendenen, Michael) (Entered: 04/16/2024)

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47 April 18, 2024

ORDER per the parties' request in their Joint Status Report 46 this case is STAYED pending the 10th Circuit's resolution of plaintiff's appeal of this court's denial of it motion for preliminary injunction. The parties shall file a joint status report within 14 days of the 10th Circuit's resolution of plaintiff's appeal. Signed by Judge Joe Heaton on 04/18/2024. (lam) (Entered: 04/18/2024)

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48 July 15, 2024

USCA OPINION as to 39 Notice of Appeal filed by Oklahoma State of. Affirmed. Terminated on the merits after oral hearing. Written, signed, published; Judges Bacharach (authoring judge), Ebel and Federico (dissenting). Mandate to issue. [24-6063] (ekw) (Entered: 07/15/2024)

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49 July 15, 2024

USCA JUDGMENT as to 39 Notice of Appeal filed by Oklahoma State of. Judgment for opinion filed. [24-6063] (ekw) (Entered: 07/15/2024)

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50 July 29, 2024

JOINT STATUS REPORT by Defendants Xavier Becerra, Jessica S Marcella, Office of Population Affairs, United States Department of Health and Human Services. (Clendenen, Michael) (Entered: 07/29/2024)

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51 Aug. 28, 2024

CIVIL SCHEDULING CONFERENCE DOCKET: A Scheduling Conference is set for 09/11/2024 09:30 AM in Chambers (Room 2301) before Judge Joe Heaton. Joint Status Report and Discovery Plan is due not later than 09/05/2024. (lam) (Entered: 08/28/2024)

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52 Sept. 4, 2024

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by All Defendants. (Saslaw, Alexandra) (Entered: 09/04/2024)

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53 Sept. 4, 2024

JOINT MOTION to Extend Deadlines or Hearings Joint Status Report and Scheduling Conference by Oklahoma State of. (Hillis, R) (Entered: 09/04/2024)

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54 Sept. 5, 2024

ORDER granting 53 the parties joint motion for continuance. The September 11, 2024, scheduling conference is STRICKEN. As suggested in the motion, the parties are directed to file a joint status report by November 1, 2024. Signed by Judge Joe Heaton on 09/05/2024. (lam) (Entered: 09/05/2024)

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55 Sept. 5, 2024

ORDER granting 52 Alexandra R. Saslaw, Esq.'s motion to withdraw as counsel for defendants. The Clerk of Court is directed to strike Ms. Saslaw's name as counsel for defendants. Signed by Judge Joe Heaton on 09/05/2024. (lam) (Entered: 09/05/2024)

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Sept. 5, 2024

Terminate Hearings

Sept. 5, 2024

Terminate deadline and hearing. (lam)

56 Sept. 9, 2024

USCA MANDATE Issued re 39 Notice of Appeal filed by Oklahoma State of (dtb) (Entered: 09/09/2024)

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57 Oct. 21, 2024

PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI re Supreme Court Number:24-437. Petition for writ of certiorari filed by State of Oklahoma on 10/15/2024. Supreme Court Number 24-437. [24-6063] (kb) (Entered: 10/21/2024)

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58 Nov. 1, 2024

STATUS REPORT (Joint) by Defendants Xavier Becerra, Jessica S Marcella, Office of Population Affairs, United States Department of Health and Human Services. (Clendenen, Michael) (Entered: 11/01/2024)

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59 Nov. 7, 2024

ENTER ORDER per the parties' Joint Status Report, they are directed to file a further status report within 14 days of the Supreme Court's disposition of the pending petition for writ of certiorari. The case remains stayed in the meantime. Signed by Judge Joe Heaton on 11/07/2024. (lam) (Entered: 11/07/2024)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Oklahoma

Case Type(s):

Healthcare Access and Reproductive Issues

Public Benefits/Government Services

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 17, 2023

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

State of Oklahoma

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

United States Department of Health and Human Services

Case Details

Other Dockets:

Western District of Oklahoma 5:23-cv-01052

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit 24-06063

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Access to public accommodations - governmental

Funding

Government services

Public benefits (includes, e.g., in-state tuition, govt. jobs)

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Impact

Medical/Mental Health Care:

Medical care, general

Medical care, unspecified

Mental health care, general

Mental health care, unspecified

Recommended Citation