"I expect a lot of states will try to do this."For background, read States Will Defund Planned Parenthood
-- Sara Rosenbaum, law professor at George Washington University
UPDATE 5/11/11: Fed. Judge rules against ACLU & Planned Parenthood, won't delay Law
-- From "Indiana puts feds in a quandary" by UPI 5/4/11
U.S. health officials said they are considering how to respond to Indiana's move to cut off federal funding to Planned Parenthood clinics in the state.
In many states Planned Parenthood clinics provide basic health care and medical tests for low-income women.
Mary Kahn, a spokeswoman for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said it would be illegal for Indiana to deny payment to these providers for services other than abortions.
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From "Indiana sets the stage for clash with Obama administration over abortion" by David G. Savage, Tribune Washington Bureau (Los Angeles Times) 5/4/11
While the state's action appears to violate the Medicaid Act, federal officials have few obvious remedies other than to cut off money that pays for health care for low-income women.
. . . the federal Medicaid Act, which pays for care for patients who are poor, says these persons may choose any provider who is "qualified" and "willing" to provide the service. In many states, Planned Parenthood clinics provide basic health care and medical tests for low-income women.
Gov. Daniels, however, argued that low-income women will still have plenty of options for health care beyond Planned Parenthood. "I…can confirm that all non-abortion-services, whether family planning or basic women's health, will remain readily available in every one of our 92 counties,"
Lawyers for Planned Parenthood say they will quickly go to federal court seeking an order that stops the Indiana measure.
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