Family Planning Group Sues over Exclusion from Texas Program

On Wednesday, Planned Parenthood filed suit against the state of Texas over a rule that excludes the organization from participating in a program that offers reproductive and other health services to low-income women.

The Texas Women’s Health Program, begun in 2007, has always barred program funds from going to abortion providers or their affiliates; the ban on affiliates, however, was not enforced. When Texas notified the federal government in 2011 of its intent to enforce the ban, the Obama administration responded by withholding support for the program. The state is suing over that decision.

Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit was filed by a group of affiliates that do not provide abortions. They claim the rule is unconstitutional and will result in thousands of women being unable to access preventive health care from their chosen provider.

“Worst of all, my fears are that these women will forgo life-saving screenings, comprehensive exams, reliable birth control, and other vital preventive health care services,” said Patricio Gonzales, CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Hidalgo County.

Beginning in May, providers out of compliance with the rule will be removed from the program, said Stephanie Goodman, spokesperson for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Such a move will result in some Planned Parenthood centers being forced to close, said Gonzales.

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