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The political dispute embroiling Planned Parenthood here and nationwide is over abortion, though public funds are not permitted by federal law to be used for abortion, except in cases of rape, incest or when a pregnancy threatens the mother’s life. Neither clinic in this state — like nearly half of all Planned Parenthood centers — performs them. What the Louisiana Planned Parenthood clinics did do last year was administer nearly 20,000 tests for sexually transmitted infections, as well as providing gynecological exams, contraceptive care, cancer screenings and other wellness services for nearly 10,000 mostly low-income patients. (Calmes, 9/1)

Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration told a federal judge that Louisiana can boot Planned Parenthood from Medicaid under both federal law and the terms of the organization's state contract. Lawyers for Jindal health secretary Kathy Kliebert filed documents in advance of a Wednesday court hearing in which Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast is seeking a restraining order to block Jindal from removing its clinics as Medicaid providers. (DeSlatte, 8/31)

Anti-abortion groups in Ohio have called on Gov. John Kasich to block Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood, though federal health officials have warned other states that such a move could violate the law. Ohio Right to Life and a coalition of other anti-abortion groups want Kasich, a Republican presidential contender, to stop taxpayer money from going to Planned Parenthood. (Sanner, 8/31)