Rules of construction

(a) In general In interpreting the provisions of this Act, a court shall liberally construe such provisions to effectuate the purposes described in section 4. (b) Rule of construction Nothing in this Act shall be construed— (1) to authorize any government to interfere with a health care provider’s ability to provide contraceptives or information related to contraception or a patient’s ability to obtain contraceptives or to engage in contraception; or (2) to permit or sanction the conduct of any sterilization procedure without the patient’s voluntary and informed consent. (c) Other individuals considered as government officials Any individual who, by operation of a provision of Federal or State law, is permitted to implement or enforce a limitation or requirement that violates section 5 shall be considered a government official for purposes of this Act.