federal judge texas saturday issue court order bar enforcement obama administration policy seek extend anti-discrimination protections affordable care act transgender health abortion-related service decision side texas seven state three christian-affiliated healthcare group challenge rule accord judge define sex bias include discrimination basis gender identity termination pregnancy grant injunction one day new policy take effect u.s. district judge reed connor hold violate administrative procedure act federal law govern rule-making practice judge also rule plaintiffs likely prevail court claim new policy infringe right private healthcare providers religious freedom restoration act explain connor 46-page opinion plaintiffs argue new regulation would require perform provide insurance coverage gender transition abortions regardless contrary religious beliefs medical judgment judge issue similar court order august block separate obama administration policy would require public school objections 13 state allow transgender students use restrooms choice immediately clear whether obama administration 20 days leave office would seek appeal late injunction white house spokeswoman katie hill decry rule today decision setback hopefully temporary one since americans regardless sex gender identity sexual orientation access quality affordable health care free discrimination say affordable care act aca also know obamacare pass 2010 anti-discrimination section design prevent insurers charge customers deny coverage base age race national origin disability sex rule dispute saturday adopt u.s. health human service hhs department implement provision include definitions sex discrimination encompass transgender abortion service accord court opinion gender identity define rule individual internal sense gender may male female neither combination male female may different individual sex assign birth state texas lead string legal case bring republican-controlled state contest various social policies advance president barack obama notably 2014 executive action protect millions immigrants unite state illegally give work permit plan challenge texas state bar court u.s. supreme court 2012 2015 issue rule keep affordable care act top legislative achievement intact u.s. judge block transgender abortion-related obamacare protections