Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Planned Parenthood Seeks Injunction To Block La. From Cutting Off Medicaid Funding To The Organization
Planned Parenthood asked a federal judge Tuesday to stop Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration from ending Medicaid payments to the organization's Louisiana clinics. Jindal, a Republican presidential candidate, announced plans earlier this month to cut off the Medicaid funding to the Baton Rouge and New Orleans health centers, citing hidden-camera videos that accuse the national organization of profiting from fetal tissue sales after abortions. Planned Parenthood denies the allegations, saying the videos are heavily edited and misleading. (8/25)
Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast Inc. Tuesday asked a federal court to block Louisiana from cutting off Medicaid funding to the organization following the release of videos on fetal tissue research. The organization and three patient co-plaintiffs filed for an injunction to stop enforcement of an order by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal that would bar Medicaid funds from going to Planned Parenthood facilities in the state beginning Sept. 2. (Armour, 8/25)
Officials with the group, along with three patients who are co-plaintiffs in the case, allege that Jindal鈥檚 order is illegal and will cut off a vital service used by 5,200 Louisianans. But Jindal administration officials stood firm, saying the lawsuit is without merit. 鈥淧lanned Parenthood is flailing,鈥 Mike Reed, a spokesman for Jindal, who is running for president, said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. (Somashekhar, 8/26)
Planned Parenthood facilities in Louisiana, which don鈥檛 provide abortions, said the threatened loss of Medicaid funds might force it to close its facility in Baton Rouge, the state capital. The cuts are scheduled to take effect Sept. 2. (Calkins, 8/25)
"We're in court today to protect over 5,200 people's access to cancer screenings, well-woman exams, and basic health care in Louisiana," Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement. "Many of these folks would have nowhere else to turn for health care." Richards slammed Jindal for attempting to cut Planned Parenthood funding "to score political points," charging that the governor's moves are putting women's health at risk. (Condon, 8/25)
The move comes the same day as the release of an eighth undercover video from anti-abortion group Center for Medical Progress. Planned Parenthood has yet to comment on the latest video. (Sutton, 8/25)
