Planned Parenthood seeks injunction in Texas funding law

By Vivian Kuo, CNN

updated 6:17 AM EST, Fri January 11, 2013

Gov. Rick Perry says a new law will provide health care for low-income women while respecting the state's values.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Planned Parenthood is cut from the state's Women's Health Program
• The law puts funding of women's health clinics in state hands rather than federal
• No clinics associated with abortion providers can receive any of the money

(CNN) -- Planned Parenthood in Texas heads to federal court Friday, looking for a temporary injunction that would allow it to take part in the state's revamped Women's Health Program.

Late last month, a Texas judge denied the group's request for a temporary restraining order that would have extended the organization's ability to participate.

A state law that went into effect with the new year requires the state to fully fund women's health clinics with the exception of those that are affiliated with abortion providers. With that new law, Texas is no longer eligible for federal funding for women's health and, therefore, Planned Parenthood and other such establishments in the state will no longer be able to receive federal funding.

Previously, such establishments in Texas obtained 90% of their money through the Social Security Administration and other federal funding.

Planned Parenthood, which provides abortions at some of its clinics, and fellow plaintiff Marcela Balquinta of McAllen, Texas, filed the request for a temporary restraining order seeking exclusion from the new law, arguing the organization provides preventative women's health care not associated with abortions to nearly 50,000 Texas enrollees annually.

"I have denied the request for a temporary restraining order at this time," Judge Gary Harger said in late December. "I did not find that there would be an irreparable harm in waiting nine days for the injunction hearing."

Texas Gov. Rick Perry issued a statement at the time welcoming the move.

The "ruling finally clears the way for thousands of low-income Texas women to access much-needed care, while at the same time respecting the values and laws of our state," he said. "I applaud all those who stand ready to help these women live healthy lives without sending taxpayer money to abortion providers and their affiliates."

Planned Parenthood vowed to fight the ruling.

"It is shocking that once again Texas officials are letting politics jeopardize health care access for women," Ken S. Lambrecht, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas said at the time. "This case isn't about Planned Parenthood -- it's about women like Marcy Balquinta who rely on us for basic, preventive health care."

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/11/us/texas-planned-parenthood/index.html?eref=rss_latest

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