Federal Judge blocks defunding of Planned Parenthood
The saga of Planned Parenthood in Ohio has taken yet another turn.
After Ohio Governor John Kasich signed a bill into law that would redirect state funds from healthcare clinics that perform abortions to other healthcare organizations, a federal judge temporarily blocked the bill from becoming law.
U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett said the temporary hold was due to the suit Planned Parenthood filed against the state.
Planned Parenthood said the law violates women’s constitutional rights because it places an “undue burden” on women trying to get an abortion.
Judge Barrett said the legal action has demonstrated a “likelihood of success,” and he said in his order that lawmakers passed the law in order to place a “substantial obstacle” in path of a woman seeking an abortion.
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5/11/16: Defunded Planned Parenthood sues state
Women’s health organization Planned Parenthood is suing the state of Ohio after the passage of a law signed back in February that bars government money from going to entities that perform abortions.
Though Planned Parenthood is not allowed to use government funds for abortions, pro-life advocates say giving any funding to the organization indirectly supports abortions.
Pro-choice advocates say the money funded HIV testing, promoted teen pregnancy prevention and provided help to new or expectant mothers.
The Ohio Right to Life called the suit frivolous, writing, “The State of Ohio has every right and reason to cut off state funding from entities that do not fit our state policy to prefer childbirth over abortion.”
Government money makes up about 5-7 percent of Planned Parenthood’s budget.
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