Feminist Daily News Wire
January-02-13

Planned Parenthood TX Loses Funding Appeal

On Monday, a Texas judge denied Planned Parenthood's request for a temporary restraining order against enforcing a new measure that prevents the organization from receiving state funding for cancer screenings and well-woman visits. A hearing in a lawsuit regarding the funding restrictions is scheduled for mid-January. As a result, almost 50,000 poor women in Texas will be forced to find new doctors or pay for services at Planned Parenthood out of pocket.

The judge allowed the new law restructuring the Women's Health Program to go into effect Tuesday. The new guidelines prevent organizations affiliated with abortion providers from receiving state funding as part of the Women's Health Program. Planned Parenthood has filed several lawsuits trying to have their well-woman funding from the program reinstated.

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

Media Resources: CNN 1/1/2013; New York Daily News 1/1/2013; Houston Chronicle 12/31/2012; Feminist Newswire 11/2/2012

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