Planned Parenthood vs. The States: The Legal Battles Rage

[katty]

more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/24/planned-parenthood-defunding_n_935134.html

The states launched an unprecedented avalanche of attacks against Planned Parenthood in their 2011 legislative sessions, but Planned Parenthood is battling back in the courts.

Eighteen states have passed one or more measures to limit the services the family planning provider can offer. Four are already facing Planned Parenthood in what promise to be lengthy and expensive legal battles to defend their right to enact those laws.

Legislators in five states -- Indiana, North Carolina, Kansas, Wisconsin and Texas -- defunded Planned Parenthood in 2011 because some of its clinics provide privately funded abortions.

[vi5]

1. That's o.k....

At least we've got strong, resilient, and aggressive Democrats at the federal level really fighting the good fight on this battle and not giving in.

:sarcasm:

[Proud Liberal Dem]

2. Good for them

The Obama Administration has been helpful in opposing these laws by sending letters to states (Indiana at least) pointing out to the states how these laws violate federal rules prohibiting the states from denying Medicaid recipients their choice of health care providers. I still don't understand how states can legally prevent Medicaid patients from utilizing Planned Parenthood simply because ONE out of the many services Planned Parenthood provides happens to be abortion and when Medicaid ALREADY can't pay for abortions and there's no evidence, at least none that has been provided, that Planned Parenthood is acting illegally by billing Medicaid for abortion services. Basically, the states are singling out Planned Parenthood simply because of the fact they provide abortion, which is, thankfully, still a legal procedure. :shrug: