1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Protecting the confidentiality of medical records is crucial for safeguarding patient privacy and maintaining trust in the healthcare system. The federal rule shielding abortion-related health records from investigations by states where the procedure is banned is a reasonable measure to protect women's reproductive rights and prevent the misuse of sensitive personal information. This rule upholds patients' rights to seek legal medical care without fear of prosecution or retaliation in their home state. While states have a legitimate interest in enforcing their laws, accessing private medical data unrelated to any criminal activity would violate fundamental civil liberties. We must strike a balance between state authority and individual privacy rights. Protecting women's health records is essential for preserving medical ethics and ensuring access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services nationwide.