Ariz. Gov. Blocks Amendment Defunding Planned Parenthood

April 15, 2013 — Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) has blocked an amendment to her Medicaid expansion plan that aimed to prohibit Planned Parenthood of Arizona from receiving public funds, Salon reports (McDonough, Salon, 4/11).

Brewer's proposal to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148) has put her at odds with state conservatives who oppose the ACA. The amendment took an approach similar to a law Brewer signed last year that cut off funding to groups that provide abortions. A judge has blocked the state from enforcing the law (Women's Health Policy Report, 4/1).

Brewer said, "We went down that route last year [and] [w]e lost," adding, "It's probably time that we just move on."

The governor's move could put the Medicaid expansion bill in jeopardy of losing Republican support, according to Salon (Salon, 4/11).

However, a growing number of legislators from both parties believe Brewer ultimately will win enough votes to pass her plan, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (Christie, AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 4/11).