A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Kansas is not allowed to cut Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri or its St. Louis affiliate, Reuters reported.
Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri and three patients on Medicaid filed the lawsuit against the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in May. The lawsuit claimed cutting Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood violated the Medicaid Act free-choice provider provision and the U.S. Constitution.
The department ordered Medicaid funding cuts for Planned Parenthood in January after anti-abortion groups released secretly recorded videos they said showed Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale of fetal tissue, Reuters reported.
Medicaid funds do not cover abortions. The state has also cut Planned Parenthood's federal family planning dollars for non-abortion services.
A spokesperson for Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, a pro-life supporter, said the ruling will be reviewed and the state will proceed with litigation, according to Reuters. The funding cut was set for May 10, but was pushed back three times since the lawsuit was filed.
More articles about healthcare legal and regulatory issues:
Mo. Gov. vetoes bill that would charge Medicaid patients late fees for missed appointments
Appeals court strikes down Obama administration's rule on fixed indemnity policies
Patient charged with aggravated assault after breaking nurse's nose