Law defunding Ind. Planned Parenthood blocked

Updated at 9:15 p.m. ET

INDIANAPOLIS - The state of Indiana is not allowed to cut off most of Planned Parenthood's state and federal public funding solely because the organization also provides abortions, a federal judge said Friday in blocking part of the state's tough new abortion law.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt granted Planned Parenthood of Indiana's request for preliminary injunction on the state's move to defund the organization. Her ruling sides with federal officials who said states cannot disqualify Medicaid providers merely because they also offer abortions or restrict Medicaid recipients' freedom to choose their health care provider.

Indiana attorney general's office spokesman Bryan Corbin said the state likely will appeal.

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The law that went into effect last month made Indiana the first state to deny Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood for general health services such as breast exams and Pap tests. It cut off about $1.4 million to Planned Parenthood, which serves about 9,300 clients in Indiana who are on the state-federal health insurance plan for low-income and disabled people who receive Medicaid.

The state had argued federal law forbids Medicaid to cover abortions in most circumstances and that the program indirectly funds the procedures because Planned Parenthood's financial statements show it commingles Medicaid funds with other revenues. The state has said the state-federal health insurance plan for low-income and disabled people might subsidize some of the overhead costs for space where abortions are performed.

Pratt's ruling said the state's new law would cause "dire financial effects" for Planned Parenthood and that plaintiffs in the case wouldn't be able to get certain medical services from their Medicaid providers of choice because of the defunding.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana has been without Medicaid funding since Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the law May 10 and was forced to stop seeing Medicaid patients this week after private donations that had paid those patients' bills ran out.

"We are extremely happy that Planned Parenthood will be able to continue to provide these necessary medical services that benefit thousands of Hoosiers," Planned Parenthood's attorney, Ken Falk of the American Civil Liberties Union, said after the ruling Friday.

Marcus Barlow, a spokesman for the state's Family and Social Services Administration, said while the injunction is in effect, Planned Parenthood will be able to provide services and then apply for Medicaid reimbursement as it did previously. He said the agency was unsure if it would push for an appeal of the decision or whether Planned Parenthood would continue to get funding during any appeal period.

"We're still deciding on what our next step will be," Barlow said.

[Imthaid2]

Who is benefiting from this stupid new law? LAWYERS! Americans REALLY need to wise up.

[KPeters_from_UK]

Is it no surprise that these two very recent articles further confirmed my opinion that the GOP is indeed anti-women and racist.

Yep. I said it. Come on people! Look at the GOP's activities against women and minorities in the past few months.

And, just for starters did you know that Republicans prefer sons over daughters (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/24/americans-prefer-sons-to-daughters_n_884220.html)?

And then we could add this little tidbit: 46% Of Mississippi Republicans Want Interracial Marriage Banned.

[netjunkie1]

This and the fact they are distracting us from the real things we should be talking about....like why should the GOP allowed to continue as a power in government as we know they are traitorous and leading the good people that follow their lobbyists down the road of tyranny and plutoractic control of our lives.

[saturn05]

I don't care if Planned Parenthood performs abortions or not. They provide so many great services that are needed and that should be applauded. Frankly, I would rather a woman had an abortion than bring an unwanted child into existence. In some cases, this would actually save us money since we would not have to pay for this child if it ends up on welfare and so on. But a woman still should always have control over her own body. Not some religious group or set of beliefs that have no place in our government.

[oldman67]

go to www.jeremiahproject.com to see the governments view on this subject.

[tsigili]

For once, a judicial decision that is right for the country.

[unclebernies]

Ok the republican third reich dosen't want abortions. On the other hand the very people who are seeking the abortions are the ones who will need assistance with food stamps, medicaid etc. So the republicans seem to love the fetus but hate the child.

[JV1970]

I hope and pray that someday I'll live to see Roe vs Wade overturned!

[janicegoin]

Usually, with most insurance today, the amount the insurer pays the docs is already agreed upon. If you have insurance B, then it doesn't matter which doctor you go to, insurance B will pay the same. Only thing you can shop around is the health insurance check "************" for health insurance ideas to save money.

[txlakeside]

When are women going to stand up and say enough is enough and vote these right wing nut jobs out. The Feds or the States have no right to dictate to any woman what they should or should not do with their bodies! Moral legislation is the same as the Taliban ..... the American Taliban is alive and well in "CHRISTIAN AMERICA". Let Planned Parenthood do the work they are needed for, unfettered by legilative morons from the right wing!

[JV1970]

Even though I don't live in Indiana, I'm a woman who disagrees with you! I don't want one cent of my tax money going to fund Planned Parenthood! I hope my state passes a similar bill and it goes through "unfettered" and without some judge causing a problem!

[jimbom121]

JV1970

No tax payer dollars go towards abortion. That being said, insurance covers it, as it is a legal procedure. If you don't like, move to another country.

[hsinco-2009]

Indiana attorney general's office spokesman Bryan Corbin said the state likely will appeal.


Talk about a waste of taxpayer dollars. This lawsuit is dumb.

And no, it is not an abortion mill.