Federal Court blocks Indiana’s Planned Parenthood “defunding” law
For Immediate Release: Jan. 28, 2013
Federal Court Rules That Politics Won’t Interfere with Women’s Preventive Health Care
"What Governor Mitch Daniels tried to do in Indiana, Mitt Romney would do in all 50 states if he’s elected," Planned Parenthood Action Fund says.
Statement from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund
NEW YORK— A federal appeals court today rejected the state of Indiana’s efforts to block women’s access to preventive health care at Planned Parenthood of Indiana health centers. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Medicaid enrollees should be free to choose their own health care provider.
Following is a statement from Dawn Laguens, executive vice president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund:
“Today’s ruling means politics won’t interfere with the health care that more than 9,000 women in Indiana rely on. Ending funding for birth control, well-woman exams, or cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood health centers is badly out of touch with the needs of American women and families. That is why the public stands with Planned Parenthood, just as the court did today.
“We shouldn’t have to go to court to protect women’s access to basic health care in this country. Planned Parenthood health center doors are open today and they’ll be open tomorrow.
“What Governor Mitch Daniels tried to do in Indiana, Mitt Romney would do in all 50 states if he’s elected. It is unacceptable, especially at a time when women need more access to health care, for a politician to tell women that they cannot go to Planned Parenthood health centers to get birth control, well-woman exams, or cancer screenings.”
Voters overwhelmingly support Planned Parenthood
A February 27 National Journal poll showed that 69 percent of voters oppose Congress cutting off funding for Planned Parenthood, including women and independents:
- 71 percent of women
- 70 percent of independents
- 79 percent of adults under 30
A February 23 Quinnipiac poll showed majority favorable opinion of Planned Parenthood, as well as 60 percent opposition to cutting federal funding for Planned Parenthood