On Wednesday, a federal judge ordered the state of Alabama to restore Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood centers. The state had taken steps to try and end funding after doctored videos surfaced online that tried to make it appear as though the organization sold fetal tissue.
“Today’s ruling is a victory for the women who rely on Planned Parenthood for quality compassionate affordable health care,” said president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Staci Fox. “It’s outrageous that Governor Bentley is trying to take care away from women and families in our communities who need it the most.”
District Court Judge Myron Thompson’s order bars the state from ending Medicaid contracts with Planned Parenthood’s clinics in Alabama. Judge Thompson found that the state was likely in violation of the free-choice-of-provider provision of the Medicaid Act that prevents the state from interfering in the choice of provider available for family planning.
Governor Robert Bentley expressed his displeasure with the Court’s ruling.
“I am disappointed and vehemently disagree with the Court’s ruling today. We are reviewing the opinion and will determine the next legal steps within the appeal period,” said Bentley.
For more on this, read the article from ABC News titled: “Judge Blocks Alabama From Ending Planned Parenthood Funding.“
