Family Planning
In the News

Texas Lawmakers Broker Quiet Agreement on Women's Health Funds; House Panel Approves 20-Week Ban
Monday, May 6, 2013
Democrats and Republicans in the Texas Legislature are "quietly" working together to restore women's health funding, marking a sharp contrast from the "high-octane drama" over cuts to women's health services in recent years, the Texas Tribune/New York Times reports.

Hawaii Gov. Signs Bill To Ensure Emergency Contraception Access at Hospitals
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D) on Monday signed into law a bill (HB 411) that requires hospitals to provide sexual assault survivors with accurate information about emergency contraception, as well as access to it, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports.

Editorial Criticizes Mo. Bill That Could Hinder Emergency Contraception Access
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Although a federal judge recently "overturned an Obama administration rule preventing girls younger than 17 from buying emergency contraceptive pills over the counter, ... in Missouri, a bill [SB 126] already had passed the state Senate to prevent pharmacists from having to stock such medication," a St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial states.

Mont. Senate Advances Bill To Reinstate Family Planning Funding
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Montana Senate this weekend advanced a budget bill that would restore $4.6 million in family planning funds, the Billings Gazette reports.

Mo. Attorney General Declines To Appeal Ruling on State Contraceptive Coverage Law
Monday, April 15, 2013
Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster (D) on Thursday said he will not appeal a federal ruling that struck down a state law (SB 749) allowing employers and health plans to refuse to cover contraceptives on moral, ethical or religious grounds, KCUR reports.

Ariz. Gov. Blocks Amendment Defunding Planned Parenthood
Monday, 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.

Opinion Piece Explores Impact of Family Planning Funding Cuts in Texas
Monday, April 8, 2013
Last week, the Texas House took an important step toward restoring 2011 budget cuts that "caused more than 55 family planning clinics across the state to close and left remaining providers with less funding and more patients in need of care," Joseph Potter -- a professor at the University of Texas-Austin -- writes in an opinion piece in the Austin Statesman.

Debate Over Ariz. Medicaid Expansion Draws Amendment To Block Planned Parenthood Funding
Monday, April 1, 2013
A conservative Arizona lobbying group is seeking to attach an amendment to Gov. Jan Brewer's (R) Medicaid expansion plan that would prohibit Planned Parenthood of Arizona from receiving public funds, the Arizona Republic reports.

Mo. Attorney General Requests Clarification in Ruling on State Contraceptive Coverage Law
Monday, April 1, 2013
Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster (D) on Thursday asked a federal judge to clarify the scope of a federal ruling that struck down a state law (SB 749) allowing employers to refuse to offer health plans that cover contraception because of moral objections, the AP/KTTS reports.

Mich. Senate Bill Would Allow Insurers, Providers To Deny Contraception, Other Services
Monday, March 25, 2013
The Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee on Thursday approved a bill that would allow health care providers and insurers to refuse to cover or provide contraceptives and other services for moral, ethical or religious reasons, Interlochen Public Radio reports.

Mo. House Speaker Urges Appeal in Ruling on State Contraceptive Coverage Law
Friday, March 22, 2013
Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones (R) on Wednesday urged the state's attorney general to appeal a federal ruling that struck down a state law (SB 749) allowing employers and health plans to refuse to cover contraception on moral or religious grounds, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Mont. House Budget Deal Excludes Plan To Restore Federal Family Planning Funds
Thursday, March 21, 2013
As part of a last-minute budget deal with the Republican majority, Montana House Democrats on Tuesday did not attempt to restore $4.6 million in federal family planning funds to a state spending bill, The Missoulian reports.

Idaho House Rejects Amendment Banning Emergency Contraception From Health Exchange Plans
Friday, March 15, 2013
The Idaho House on Wednesday voted 38-32 to reject an amendment that would have prohibited health plans offered in a state-based health insurance exchange from covering emergency contraception, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Mont. House Panel Rejects Motion To Restore Family Planning Funds
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The Montana House Appropriations Committee on Monday voted 11-10 against a motion that would have restored $4.6 million in federal family planning funds that flow through the state to local health clinics, The Missoulian reports.

Hawaii Senate Approves Emergency Contraception Bill, Rejects Religious Refusal Provision
Thursday, March 7, 2013
The Hawaii Senate on Tuesday approved legislation (SB 1109) that would require hospital emergency departments to provide emergency contraception to sexual assault survivors, the AP/Garden Island reports.

Neb. Committee Hesitant on Refusal Bill, Hears Testimony on Abortion Information Bill
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Lawmakers on the Nebraska Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday gave a "skeptical reception" to a bill (LB 564) that would expand protections for health care workers who refuse to participate in medical services they personally oppose, including those related to abortion and contraception, Omaha World-Herald reports.

Okla. House Indefinitely Delays Bill Banning Medicaid Coverage of Emergency Contraception
Monday, March 4, 2013
The Oklahoma House on Thursday indefinitely delayed a bill (HB 2039) that would ban the state's Medicaid authority from covering emergency contraception, after the bill's sponsor raised concerns that the bill might jeopardize the state's federal Medicaid funding, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
"Mandatory Ultrasound Removed From Indiana TRAP Law, but Will Probably Still Close Lafayette Clinic" (Marty, RH Reality Check, 2/25) and "Arizona Federal District Court Blocks Efforts To Defund Planned Parenthood" (Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check, 2/22).

Ala. House Passes Contraceptive Coverage Refusal Measure
Thursday, February 21, 2013
The Alabama House on Tuesday voted 67-28 to approve a bill (HB 108) that would allow employers to opt out of the federal contraceptive coverage rules, the Montgomery Advertiser reports.

Funding Cuts Force Closure of Four Planned Parenthood Wisconsin Affiliates
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin on Monday announced that state budget cuts will force the closure of four family planning clinics that are the sole reproductive health care providers in their areas, the Huffington Post reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
"State Funding Cuts and Anti-Choice Policies Cited for Closure of Four Wisconsin Planned Parenthood Clinics" (Robin Marty, RH Reality Check, 2/18), "North Dakota Attorney General Says Sex Ed Program Can Move Forward" (Jessica Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check, 2/18) and "State Legislatures Increasingly Provide Tax-Payer Funding of Non-Medical Crisis Pregnancy Centers" (Marty, RH Reality Check, 2/15).

Texas Health Care Providers Call for Boost in Women's Health Funding
Friday, February 15, 2013
On Wednesday, a coalition of health care providers called for additional funding to support the Texas Women's Health Program after the state blocked participation by Planned Parenthood and other providers who offer abortions, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Ariz. Law Barring Funding to Planned Parenthood
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
A federal judge on Friday struck down an Arizona law (HB 2800) that barred distribution of family planning funds to organizations that also provide abortions, Reuters reports.

Colo. County Prohibited EC at Family Planning Clinics, Despite Health Department's Testimony
Thursday, February 7, 2013
The 2010 decision by commissioners in Weld County, Colo., to prohibit Title X family planning clinics from dispensing emergency contraception went against expert testimony stating that it does not cause an abortion, according to an investigation by the Colorado Independent.

Va. House Opts Not To Vote on Legislation Restricting Contraceptive Coverage
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
The Virginia House Commerce and Labor Committee on Monday declined to vote on a trio of bills (HB 1314, HB 1315, HB 1417) that would have allowed state health insurers to deny contraceptive coverage to women, the Washington Post's "Virginia Politics" reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
"Which State Will Ban Abortion First?" (Elissa Berger, American Civil Liberties Union's "Blog of Rights," 2/2) and "New York City Public Schools Handed Out 'Morning-After Pill' To Thousands More Than Reported" (Sara Gates, Huffington Post blogs, 2/4).

Emergency Contraception Access, Other Women's Issues on Hawaiian Legislative Agenda
Monday, February 4, 2013
Hawaii's Women's Legislative Caucus on Thursday announced support for 17 bills on a range of women's issues, including breastfeeding in the workplace and access to emergency contraception, Pacific Business News' "PBN Biz Blog" reports.

Questions Raised About University's Decision To Freeze Grant for Sex Education Research
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
North Dakota State University is drawing scrutiny over its decision to freeze a federal grant awarded to two professors for research on a sex education program run by Planned Parenthood, Mother Jones reports.

Texas Removes Nearly a Thousand Providers From Women's Health Program Website
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has re-launched an online database of providers who participate in the state Women's Health Program, but 965 fewer doctors and clinics are included, the Texas Tribune reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, January 25, 2013
"Women Spoke -- Will Lawmakers Listen?" (Marcia Greenberger, Huffington Post blogs, 1/24).

Texas Democrats Raise Concern Over Availability of Women's Health Providers
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Texas House Democrats are questioning whether the state Health and Human Service Commission has a sufficient network of providers to serve low-income women enrolled in the state's Women's Health Program, the Texas Tribune reports.

Ill. Judge Blocks State Coverage Law
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
DuPage County, Ill., Circuit Court Judge Terence Sheen granted Triune Health Group, a for-profit company based in Illinois, a temporary restraining order against a state requirement that employee health plans include contraceptive coverage, the AP/State Journal-Register reports.

Texas Wasting Money, Hurting Women's Health Services With Planned Parenthood Ban, Editorial Argues
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Texas' decision to exclude Planned Parenthood from the state's Women's Health Program because it provides abortions "fixed a problem that didn't exist, and now, the fix is spawning worse problems," according to a Dallas Morning News editorial.

Va. Lawmakers Reportedly Consider 'Grand Bargain' on Abortion Legislation
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Virginia legislative leaders have met behind closed doors to discuss a "grand bargain" on abortion-related legislation, an anonymous Democratic aide told the Huffington Post.

Judge Denies Planned Parenthood's Request To Stay in Texas Women's Health Program
Monday, January 14, 2013
A Texas judge on Friday denied Planned Parenthood's request for a temporary injunction against a Texas law barring the organization from participating in the state's Women's Health Program because it provides abortions, Reuters reports.

Planned Parenthood Returns to Court Over Texas Women's Health Program
Friday, January 11, 2013
A federal judge on Friday is scheduled to hear the latest arguments from Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas and the office of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott (R) about whether the organization should be allowed to participate in the state's Women's Health Program, Bloomberg reports.

Featured Blog
Friday, January 11, 2013
"Texas Has Created a Costly Roadmap for Defunding Planned Parenthood" (Molly Redden, New Republic's "The Plank," 1/11).

Texas Officials Say Women's Health Program Can Meet Demand Without Planned Parenthood
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission on Monday announced that a recent survey shows that the state's Women's Health Program has enough providers to absorb Planned Parenthood's caseload, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Excluding Planned Parenthood From Texas Program Leaves Women 'In the Lurch,' Editorial Says
Friday, January 4, 2013
A judge's recent decision to allow Texas to exclude Planned Parenthood from its Women's Health Program "has little -- if anything -- to do with abortion and a lot to do with women's health," an Austin American-Statesman editorial states.

Judges Block Planned Parenthood From Texas' Women's Health Program, Deny State's Request for Federal Money
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Visiting Texas District Judge Gary Herger on Monday ruled that the state may move forward with plans to exclude Planned Parenthood from its Women's Health Program because the organization provides abortions, The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports.

Judge Allows Okla. To End WIC Contract With Planned Parenthood
Thursday, January 3, 2013
A federal judge on Dec. 24 rejected Planned Parenthood's request to stop the Oklahoma Department of Health from terminating its contract to provide services through the federal Women, Infants and Children program, Reuters reports.

Colo. County Ends Planned Parenthood Grant
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The Garfield Board of County Commissioners on Monday voted to remove $5,000 in funding from the local Planned Parenthood clinic in Glenwood Springs, Colo., the Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Aspen Times reports.

Texas Gov. Perry Calls for 20-Week Abortion Ban; New Suits Filed Over Women's Health Program
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) on Tuesday voiced his support for legislation that would ban abortion in the state after 20 weeks of gestation, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Texas Lawmakers Could Reverse Family Planning Cuts in Light of Expected Rise in Births
Monday, December 10, 2012
Texas lawmakers are considering ways to restore funding for family planning services in light of new state data indicating a potential rise in births to low-income women, the Texas Tribune/New York Times reports.

Mich. Lawmakers Push Antiabortion Legislation Package in Lame-Duck Session
Friday, December 7, 2012
Michigan lawmakers are attempting to pass a package of bills that would impose several new restrictions on women's access to abortion care and coverage during their lame-duck session, the Huffington Post reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, December 7, 2012
"Michigan Lawmakers are Trying To Sneak Through Extreme Abortion Restrictions in Lame Duck Session," (Tara Culp-Ressler, RH Reality Check, 12/6).

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
"5 States Where GOP Extremists Still Rage Against Women," (Sarah Seltzer, Salon, 11/30).

Featured Blogs
Friday, November 30, 2012
"The Election is Over, but the Fight Goes On" (Kate Michelman, Huffington Post blogs, 11/27).

Ohio Senate Halts Plans for Bill Targeting Planned Parenthood
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
An Ohio Senate leader on Tuesday said he will not move forward with a bill (HB 298) that would place Planned Parenthood last in line for public family planning funds, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Texas Abortion Opponents Lobby for Antiabortion Bills in the 2013 Session
Monday, November 26, 2012
Texas antiabortion-rights groups are pushing several antiabortion measures for the 2013 session, the Texas Tribune/New York Times reports.

Texas Bill Would End Ban on Affiliates of Abortion Providers in Women's Health Program
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Texas Rep. Lon Burnam (D) last week filed a bill (HB 58) that would remove language from a 2011 law that bars abortion providers or their affiliates from participating in the state's Women's Health Program, the American Independent reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
"Reflections on the 2012 Election and Abortion" (Carole Joffe, ANSIRH Blog, 11/16).

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
"Ohio is the Latest Battlefield in the War on Contraception," (Amanda Marcotte, RH Reality Check, 11/18) and "How Video Technology has Improved Abortion Access for Women in Rural Iowa," (Tara Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 11/16).

Ohio House Panel Approves Bill To Block Funding to Planned Parenthood
Friday, November 16, 2012
The Ohio House Health and Aging Committee on Wednesday voted 13-9 to approve a bill (HB 298) that would reprioritize distribution of federal family planning money to effectively block funding to Planned Parenthood, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Texas Bills for 2013 Include Medication Abortion Restrictions, Women's Health Program Changes
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Texas lawmakers on Monday pre-filed more than 200 bills for the 2013 legislative session, including one that would restrict medication abortion and another that would allow affiliates of abortion providers to continue participating in the state's Women's Health Program, KVUE reports.

Judge Extends Injunction Against Texas Law on Affiliates of Abortion Providers
Friday, November 9, 2012
A U.S. District Judge in Texas on Thursday extended a temporary restraining order that allows 49 clinics operated by Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas to remain in the state's Women's Health Program for the time being, Bloomberg Businessweek reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, November 9, 2012
"STUDY: Women Rely on Publicly-Funded Health Clinics Like Planned Parenthood for Their Primary Care" (Annie-Rose Strasser, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 11/18) and "ELECTION 2012: Florida Voters Defeat Amendment 6, the 'No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion' Amendment" (Robin Marty, RH Reality Check, 11/6).

Texas Official Acknowledges Problems With Database of Women's Health Providers
Monday, November 5, 2012
Texas' health commissioner acknowledged last week that errors and duplicate entries in a database to help low-income women find health care providers are "a real problem," the American Independent reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, November 2, 2012
"Texas Will Continue Funding to Planned Parenthood, For Now" (Andrea Grimes, RH Reality Check, 10/31) and "Heartbeat: My Involuntary Miscarriage and 'Voluntary Abortion' in Ohio" (Tamara Mann, Huffington Post blogs, 11/1).

Texas Delays Launch of New Women's Health Program, Continues Payments to Planned Parenthood
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Planned Parenthood will continue to participate in Texas' Women's Health Program for the time being, despite the state's promise to exclude affiliates of abortion providers beginning on Nov. 1, state officials announced on Wednesday, the AP/Washington Post reports.

Judge Allows Planned Parenthood To Stay in Texas Program for Now After New Lawsuit Filed
Monday, October 29, 2012
A Texas state judge on Friday granted a temporary restraining order that allows Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas to continue participating in the state's Women's Health Program for the time being, the Texas Tribune reports.

Appeals Court Rejects Request to Reconsider Texas Law on Women's Health Program
Friday, October 26, 2012
A federal appeals court on Thursday declined to reconsider a ruling that allowed Texas to exclude affiliates of abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood, from its Women's Health Program, Reuters reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, October 26, 2012
"The Sinister Motives Behind Challenges to Medicaid Funding of Planned Parenthood," Jessica Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check, 10/24) and "New York City Launches Clinic Escort Program, Anti-Choicers Offended by 'Government Interference,'" Robin Marty, RH Reality Check, 10/24).

Battle Over Planned Parenthood Funding Becomes National Issue
Monday, October 22, 2012
Lawmakers' efforts to cut off funding to Planned Parenthood in Arizona, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and other states have helped propel the organization to the forefront of national political debates, the Washington Post reports.

Judge Temporarily Blocks Ariz. Law Barring Funding to Planned Parenthood
Monday, October 22, 2012
U.S. District Judge Neil Wake on Friday issued a temporary injunction prohibiting Arizona from enforcing a state law (HB 2800) barring public family planning funding to organizations that also provide abortion services, Reuters reports.

Texas To End Women's Health Program if Court Overturns Ban on Affiliates of Abortion Providers
Friday, October 19, 2012
Texas intends to end its Women's Health Program if a court strikes down the state's move to exclude affiliates of abortion providers from the program, according to new rules released on Thursday by the state health and human services department, the AP/Longview News-Journal reports.

Ariz. Antiabortion Group Opposes Sales Tax Ballot Initiative
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
The Center for Arizona Policy, a conservative Christian group that opposes abortion rights, is fighting a state ballot measure (Proposition 204) related to sales tax because of concerns that it could fund family planning or Planned Parenthood, the Phoenix Business Journal reports.

CNN Opinion Piece Supports NYC Program Offering Contraceptives to High School Students
Thursday, October 11, 2012
"Among the 7,000 girls ages 15 to 17 who got pregnant last year in New York City, nine out of 10 pregnancies were unplanned, and almost two out of three resulted in abortions," writes Laura Sessions Stepp, an author and journalist, in a CNN opinion piece.

Judge Weighs Ariz. Law Blocking Family Planning Funding to Planned Parenthood
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
A federal judge on Friday seemed skeptical of Arizona's defense of a state law that bars public family planning funding to organizations that also provide abortion care, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
"A Wink and a Nod: Anti-Choice Laws Invite Anti-Choice Harassment and Terrorism" (Jen Russo, RH Reality Check, 10/1), "Missouri Fines Insurance Provider $1.5 Million for Not Letting Employers' Personal Beliefs Dictate Contraception Coverage" (Amanda Peterson Beadle, ThinkProgress, 9/28) and "Why we Should all Care That Texas is 'Dismantling' Women's Health" (Thanh Tan, Seattle Times ' "Ed Cetera," 9/28).

Texas Women Try To Access Services Amid Changes To Women's Health Program
Monday, October 1, 2012
Tens of thousands of low-income Texas women will soon lose access to family planning services through Planned Parenthood because the state has excluded affiliates of abortion providers from its Women's Health Program, Bloomberg Businessweek reports.

New England Journal of Medicine Details Impact of Texas Family Planning Cuts
Thursday, September 27, 2012
More than 50 Texas clinics that provide family planning services have closed as the result of state cuts to family planning funding, according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine, the Texas Tribune reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
"Why are New York's Teen Pregnancy Rates so Much Lower Than Mississippi's?" (Amanda Marcotte, Slate 's "XX Factor," 9/24) and "Rick Perry Wants To Replace Planned Parenthood With Crisis Pregnancy Centers That Don't Provide Health Services" (Amanda Peterson Beadle, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 9/21).

Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Bill on Access to Contraception
Monday, September 24, 2012
California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) on Saturday signed 25 health related bills, including one bill allowing registered nurses to dispense contraceptives, the Los Angeles Times reports.

New York City Pilot Program Offers Contraceptives to High School Students
Monday, September 24, 2012
Contraception, including emergency contraception, is available to thousands of high school students in New York City through a pilot program that launched last year, and officials say few parents have objected, the New York Times reports.

Religious Coalition Announces Opposition to Fla. Antiabortion Ballot Measure
Thursday, September 20, 2012
A group comprising members of the Catholic, Jewish and Unitarian faiths is speaking out against an amendment on Florida's November ballot that would constitutionally ban public funding for abortion care or coverage, News4Jax reports.

Impact of Mo. Refusal Law Unknown in Face of Legal Challenge
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
It is unclear how women in Missouri will be affected by a new law (SB 749) allowing employers and health plans to refuse to provide insurance coverage for contraception, abortion or sterilization for religious or moral reasons, the Springfield News-Leader reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
"Sad Day For Science and Women's Health," (Talcott Camp, American Civil Liberty Union's "Blog of Rights," 9/14) and "Where do Women Turn When Planned Parenthood is Gone?" (Jessica Pieklo, Care2, 9/15).

Featured Blogs
Friday, September 14, 2012
"In Texas, the Numbers Reveal Just How Dire Things Will Be for Medicaid Patients Without Planned Parenthood" (Andrea Grimes, RH Reality Check, 9/11).

Columnist Urges Calif. Gov. Brown To Sign Women's Health Bill
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
A Contra Costa Times column called for California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) to sign a bill (AB 2348) that would allow registered nurses to dispense contraceptives.

Tenn. County Sees Sharp Decline in Title X Access After Planned Parenthood Dropped From Program
Thursday, September 6, 2012
There has been a drastic decrease in the number of people accessing services through the federal Title X family planning program in Tennessee's neediest county since officials awarded the funding to Christ Community Health Services instead of Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region, the Memphis Flyer reports.

Texas Doctors Worry New Rules Will Restrict Abortion Discussions
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Doctors in Texas are raising concern that the state's takeover of the program will restrict their ability to discuss abortion with patients, KUHF reports.

New Hearing Requested Over Texas' Women's Health Program
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Planned Parenthood on Tuesday requested that a federal appeals court revisit a ruling that would allow Texas to exclude its clinics from a health program for low-income women, Reuters reports.

Federal Judge Dismisses Wheaton College's Contraceptive Coverage Lawsuit
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
A federal judge has dismissed an evangelical university's lawsuit against the federal contraceptive coverage rules because the school does not face an immediate threat of having to offer the coverage, UPI reports.

Texas Law Limits Health Care Services for Women, Washington Post Editorial States
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Because of a federal appeals court's decision allowing Texas to enforce a state law blocking funding to Planned Parenthood, "[h]undreds of thousands of poor Texas women are likely to be denied a health-care provider because of their state's ideological zeal," a Washington Post editorial states.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
"Abortion Rights and Judicial Bias in Texas Planned Parenthood Decision" (Jessica Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check, 8/27) and "Our Bodies, Our Votes" (Judy Norsigian, WBUR's "Cognoscenti," 8/30).

Texas Planned Parenthood Clinics Brace for Funding Cutoff
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Planned Parenthood on Wednesday said that its Texas clinics are operating normally for the time being, despite an appeals court's ruling allowing the state to enforce a law that blocks funding to the organization, the AP/U-T San Diego reports.

New York Times Editorial Blasts Court Ruling on Texas Law
Thursday, August 23, 2012
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision to lift a temporary injunction against a Texas law that bars affiliates of abortion providers from participating in the state's Women's Health Program gave a "green light" to Perry and the Texas Legislature to "endanger the general health and welfare of low-income women to further their agenda of eroding abortion rights," a New York Times editorial states.

Appeals Court Allows Texas To Block Planned Parenthood Funding Until Trial
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday lifted a temporary injunction against a Texas law that bars affiliates of abortion providers from participating in the state's Women's Health Program, the AP/New York Times reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
"Texas GOP Strives To Make the State Contraceptive-Free" (Jessica Pieklo, Care2, 8/20) and "TRAP Laws and Intimidation has its Intended Effects on Clinics" (Robin Marty, RH Reality Check, 8/20).

Five Dozen Texas Family Planning Clinics Forced To Close Since State Cuts Were Enacted
Friday, August 17, 2012
In passing drastic family planning cuts aimed at Planned Parenthood, Texas lawmakers also defunded many clinics that are not affiliated with the organization and do not offer abortion services, the Texas Observer reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, August 17, 2012
"Virginia Forced Ultrasound Law Interferes With Health Services, Clinic Director Says" (Reilly Moore, RH Reality Check, 8/16) and "Attacks on Planned Parenthood in Texas Forced at Least 50 Unaffiliated Health Clinics To Close" (Tara Culp-Ressler, ThinkProgress, 8/16).

Texas' Plans for Women's Health Program Raises Questions About Medicaid Expansion, Opposition From Medical Groups
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Texas Gov. Rick Perry's (R) plan to end the Medicaid Women's Health Program as a way to prevent funding from going to Planned Parenthood conflicts with his decision to opt out of the Affordable Care Act's (PL 111-148) Medicaid expansion, The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports.

Recent Court Rulings Fail To Preserve Women's Constitutional Rights, New York Times Editorial States
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
"At a time when abortion rights and women's access to affordable contraception are threatened by political attacks, judges in three newly decided federal cases failed to preserve constitutional protections for women," a New York Times editorial states.

Ariz. To Delay Enforcement of Planned Parenthood Funding Ban While Lawsuit Proceeds
Friday, July 20, 2012
Arizona will defer enforcement of a new law barring public family planning funding to organizations that provide abortion services, in order to give the state more time to respond to a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood, the Arizona Daily Star reports.

Protecting Abortion Rights Requires Vigilant Defense, Los Angeles Times Editorial States
Thursday, July 19, 2012
"[A]n aggressive campaign to curtail [women's reproductive] rights is being waged across the country as opponents seize every opportunity to deny women long-established constitutional protections," a Los Angeles Times editorial states.

Planned Parenthood Files Lawsuit Over Ariz. Funding Ban
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Planned Parenthood Arizona on Monday filed a federal lawsuit that seeks to block an Arizona law barring public family planning funding to organizations that also provide abortion services, Reuters reports.

Mo. Gov. Nixon Vetoes Contraception Coverage Refusal Bill
Friday, July 13, 2012
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon (D) on Thursday vetoed a bill (SB 749) that would have allowed employers and health plans to refuse to provide insurance coverage for abortion, contraception or sterilization if the services conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, the AP/Washington Times reports.

CMS Made Correct Decision on Ind. Request To Block Planned Parenthood Funding, Editorial States
Friday, July 13, 2012
A recent decision by a CMS hearing officer in a dispute over Indiana's Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, "[i]n effect, .. sets aside the abortion argument," a South Bend Tribune editorial argues.

Federal Hearing Officer Recommends Rejecting Ind. Request To Block Medicaid Funds to Planned Parenthood
Monday, July 9, 2012
CMS should uphold its decision to reject Indiana's request enforce a state law that would bar Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood, a CMS hearing officer stated in documents released on Friday, the AP/CBS News reports.

'Women Would Be Hurt' if N.C. Planned Parenthood Cuts Take Effect, New York Times Editorial States
Monday, July 9, 2012
"The conservative assault on Planned Parenthood that began a year ago when the Republican-led House of Representatives tried to cut off any federal aid to the organization has been followed by a slew of similar attacks at the state level," a New York Times editorial states.

Federal Family Planning Grant Offsets State Cuts for Tenn. Planned Parenthood
Friday, July 6, 2012
HHS has awarded Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region a three-year grant to provide family planning services, which will help offset a move by state legislators to block the distribution of Title X funds to the organization, The Tennessean reports.

N.C. Legislature Overrides Veto of State Budget That Strips Funding From Family Planning Providers
Thursday, July 5, 2012
North Carolina lawmakers on Monday evening voted to override Gov. Bev Perdue's (D) veto of a state budget that defunds private providers of family planning services, including Planned Parenthood, Huffington Post reports.

N.J. Gov. Christie Vetoes Bill To Restore Women's Health Funds
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Friday vetoed a bill (S 788) that would have provided $7.5 million for women's health programs, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

N.C. Law Barring Family Planning Funds to Planned Parenthood Struck Down
Monday, July 2, 2012
A federal court on Thursday struck down a North Carolina law that blocked distribution of family planning funds to Planned Parenthood clinics because the organization offers abortion care, BNA reports.

Kan. Law Blocking Family Planning Funds Remains on Hold
Monday, July 2, 2012
A federal judge on Friday continued an injunction blocking Kansas from enforcing a law that cuts off family planning funding to clinics in the state, the AP/Kansas City Star reports.

Kan. Family Planning Clinics Seek Injunction To Prevent Funding Cut Off
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Kansas family planning clinics this week asked a federal judge to issue an injunction to prevent the state from enforcing a law that would cut off their funding, the AP/Topeka Capital-Journal reports.

N.J. Gov. Christie Likely To Veto Bill To Restore Women's Health Funds
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
he New Jersey Legislature has approved a bill (S 788) that would provide more than $7.4 million for family planning services and women's health programs that have seen drastic budget cuts under Gov. Chris Christie (R), NJ Today reports.

Federal Appeals Court Reviews Texas Law Barring Planned Parenthood Funding
Friday, June 8, 2012
An attorney representing Planned Parenthood clinics in Texas on Thursday urged a federal appeals court to uphold an injunction against a state law that excludes affiliates of abortion providers from participating in the state's Women's Health Program, the AP/Austin American-Statesman reports.

N.H. Legislature Abandons Effort To Amend Contraceptive Coverage Requirements
Monday, June 4, 2012
A New Hampshire legislative conference committee last week agreed to drop a provision (SB 356) that would have allowed certain employers to bypass a state contraceptive coverage law, the Manchester Union Leader reports.

N.C. House Upholds Amendment To Withhold Funds From Planned Parenthood
Friday, June 1, 2012
The North Carolina House on Wednesday voted to retain a budget amendment that would bar distribution of family planning funds to organizations other than local health departments, the Blue Ridge Times-News reports.

N.H. Senate To Negotiate With House on Contraception Bill
Friday, May 25, 2012
The New Hampshire Senate on Wednesday agreed to negotiate with the House on a bill (SB 356) that would allow certain religiously affiliated employers to exclude contraceptive coverage from their health plans, the AP/Google News reports..

Pa. House Lawmaker To Propose Legislation Putting Funding for Planned Parenthood at Risk
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Pennsylvania state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R) has proposed legislation that would establish a priority system for distributing public family planning funding, putting Planned Parenthood and other organizations that provide abortion care at the bottom of the list, the Huffington Post reports.

Calif. Should Approve Bill Expanding Access to Contraception, Opinion Piece States
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
California lawmakers "have a real opportunity to buck the alarming national trend of making health care harder to get for women" by supporting a bill (AB 2348) that would increase access to birth control for women in the state, Kathy Kneer -- president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California -- and Julie Rabinovitz -- president and CEO of California Family Health Council -- write in a Sacramento Bee opinion piece.

Mo. Lawmakers Send Contraceptive Coverage Refusal Bill to Gov. Nixon
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The Missouri Legislature on Friday passed a bill (SB 749) that would allow employers to refuse to provide health coverage for services -- including abortion and contraception -- that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Mo. House Approves Bill Allowing Providers To Deny Contraception, Other Services
Friday, May 18, 2012
The Missouri House on Wednesday voted 117-37 to approve legislation (SB 749) that would allow health care providers to refuse to provide contraception or other services for moral or religious reasons, the AP/Waynesville Daily Guide reports.

Ohio House Renews Efforts To Block Planned Parenthood Funding
Friday, May 18, 2012
Ohio House Republicans on Wednesday restarted efforts to block federal family planning funds to Planned Parenthood by hearing testimony on a bill (HB 298) that would redirect the money to community health clinics, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

La. Committees Advance Abortion Restrictions, Ask Congress To Defund Planned Parenthood
Friday, May 18, 2012
Committees in the Louisiana Senate and House on Wednesday approved various bills that would increase restrictions on abortion care and oppose funding of Planned Parenthood, the Baton Rouge Advocate reports.

N.H. House Approves Contraceptive Coverage Bill
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The New Hampshire House on Tuesday approved a provision that would allow employers that are partly or wholly owned by a religious society or formed for a religious intent to exclude contraception coverage from their health plans, the AP/Seacoast Online reports.

Ariz. Gov. Brewer Signs Bill on Contraceptive Coverage
Monday, May 14, 2012
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) on Friday signed into law a bill (HB 2625) that allows more religiously affiliated employers to claim an exemption from a state law that requires employee health plans to include contraceptive coverage, the Arizona Republic reports.

Approaches to Teen Pregnancy Issues in Calif., Texas Provide Study in Contrasts
Monday, May 14, 2012
Experts on adolescent health say a key reason some states are more effective than others at reducing teen pregnancy is that they have taken steps to ease teens' access to contraception, the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Judge Strikes Down Mont. Law Barring Contraceptive Coverage for Low-Income Teens
Thursday, May 10, 2012
On Friday, Montana District Judge James Reynolds ruled that a state law that denies birth control coverage for teens in a state health insurance program is an unconstitutional invasion of privacy, the Helena Independent Record reports.

Iowa Lawmakers Drop Controversial Abortion Provision From Budget
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Iowa legislators on Wednesday removed language from a state Department of Health and Human Services appropriations package that would have barred Medicaid coverage of abortion care for rape and incest survivors, the Quad-City Times reports.

States' Attempts To Defund Planned Parenthood Stymied by Courts, Obama Administration
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The Obama administration and federal courts have stopped several conservative-led state efforts to block funding to Planned Parenthood since 2010, the Washington Times reports.

Appeals Panel Reinstates Injunction Against Texas Law Excluding Planned Parenthood From Medicaid
Monday, May 7, 2012
A three-judge federal appeals panel on Friday reinstated a lower court judge's ruling granting a temporary injunction against a Texas law that excludes affiliates of abortion providers from participating in the state's Women's Health Program, the AP/U-T San Diego reports.

Ariz. Gov. Brewer Signs Law Barring Public Funding to Planned Parenthood
Monday, May 7, 2012
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) on Friday signed into law a bill (HB 2800) that prohibits state or local governments from providing public funds to any organization that provides abortion care, the AP/USA Today reports.

N.J. Female Democrats Push To Restore Women's Health Programs Using Unused Job Training Funds
Thursday, May 3, 2012
A group of female senators who serve on New Jersey's Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee suggested using $6 million from a jobs training program to bolster women's health care programs that received drastic budget cuts under Gov. Chris Christie (R), NJ Today reports.

Federal Judge Overturns Injunction To Allow Texas To Halt Funding to Planned Parenthood
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Fifth Circuit Appeals Judge Jerry Smith on Tuesday reversed a lower court's ruling and allowed Texas to exclude Planned Parenthood from the state's Medicaid Women's Health Program, Reuters reports.

Texas Judge Temporarily Blocks State Law Halting Funds to Planned Parenthood
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
A federal judge on Monday issued a temporary injunction against a Texas law that prohibits organizations affiliated with abortion providers from receiving state funds through the Medicaid Women's Health Program, the New York Times reports.

Ariz. Senate Approves Contraceptive Coverage Bill
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Arizona Senate on Wednesday approved a bill (HB 2625) that broadens the types of religiously affiliated employers that can claim an exemption from a state law requiring employers to include contraceptive coverage in their health plans, the AP/San Antonio Express reports.

Ohio Lawmakers Drop Budget Provision Defunding Planned Parenthood
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Ohio House Republicans on Tuesday removed from Gov. John Kasich's (R) mid-biennium budget measure a proposal that could have cut $1.7 million in public family planning funding to Planned Parenthood, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Ariz. Senate Approves Bill To Block Funding to Planned Parenthood
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Arizona legislators on Tuesday in a 18-8 party-line vote approved a bill (HB 2800) that would prohibit state or local governments from using public funds to support any organization that provides abortion care -- a piece of legislation that many believe specifically targets Planned Parenthood, the Arizona Republic reports.

Supposed Threats to 'Religious Freedom' Really About Access to Contraception, Women's Advocates Say
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Although opponents of the federal contraceptive coverage rules claim their fight is about "religious freedom," women's and family planning groups say opponents' true objective is to restrict access to contraception, Kaiser Health News/Sacramento Bee reports.

Ohio Proposal Could Jeopardize Access to Family Planning Services
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Supporters of an Ohio proposal that could cut $1.7 million in public family planning funding to Planned Parenthood say it will not reduce the availability of the services, but the ability of other health care providers to step in is unclear, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Video Discusses Attacks on Family Planning Funding in Ohio
Thursday, April 19, 2012
This video features a discussion about an Ohio proposal to restrict family planning funding.

Ohio Proposal Puts Federal Family Planning Funds for Planned Parenthood at Risk
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Ohio House Republicans on Tuesday unveiled a proposal that would create a new system to prioritize distribution of federal family planning funds, a move that would effectively reduce the money Planned Parenthood and other groups providing abortion care receive, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Texas Asks Federal Government To Delay End of Funds for Medicaid Women's Health Program
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Texas Medicaid officials have asked the federal government to extend the deadline by which federal funding ends for the state's Medicaid Women's Health Program, according to documents released Tuesday, the AP/Yahoo! News reports.

N.H. Committee Votes To Send Bill That Would Alter Law on Contraceptive Coverage to Interim Study
Thursday, April 19, 2012
The New Hampshire Senate Public and Municipal Affairs Committee voted 4-0 on Tuesday to send to interim study a bill (HB 1546) that would allow employers with a religious or moral objection to drop contraceptive coverage from their health plans, the Concord Monitor reports.

Ariz. Lawmakers Approve Narrowed Exemption to Contraceptive Coverage Law
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
An Arizona joint conference committee on Monday amended a bill (HB 2625) to limit which institutions can seek a religious exemption from a state law that requires contraceptive coverage in employer health plans, the Arizona Republic reports.

La. House Resolution Calls for End to Federal Funding of Planned Parenthood
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Louisiana House on Monday voted 61-25 to approve a resolution (HCR 11) urging Congress to end federal funding to Planned Parenthood, the Houma Courier reports.

Texas To Fund Women's Health Program Starting in November, State Official Says
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Texas will begin funding its Medicaid Women's Health Program on its own on Nov. 1 so that participants maintain access to health services after the federal government ends funding for the program, the state's Medicaid director said, KERA reports.

Iowa Senate Rejects Antiabortion Amendments
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The Iowa Senate last week rejected a budget amendment (S-5207) that would have eliminated state funding for women's health services at any organization that provides abortion care, the Des Moines Register reports.

Ariz. Senate Approves Contraception Coverage Bill
Monday, April 16, 2012
The Arizona Senate on Thursday gave preliminary approval to a measure (HB 2625) that would allow certain employers to refuse to provide contraceptive coverage for religious reasons, the Arizona Republic reports.

Ariz. Senate Approves Planned Parenthood Funding Bill
Monday, April 16, 2012
The Arizona Senate on Thursday gave preliminary approval to a House-approved bill that would bar Planned Parenthood from receiving federal funding that flows through the state for health services unrelated to abortion, AP/KTAR reports.

Planned Parenthood Sues Texas Over Law Barring Organization From Women's Health Program
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Texas Planned Parenthood affiliates on Wednesday filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a state law that bars the organization and other "affiliates of abortion providers" from participating in its Medicaid Women's Health Program, The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports.

Mo. Senate Approves Bill on Contraceptive Coverage
Monday, April 2, 2012
The Missouri Senate on Thursday approved a bill (SB 749) that would permit employers to refuse to cover birth control unless it is for non-contraceptive purposes, the AP/Springfield News-Leader reports.

Re-Vote Planned After Ariz. Senate Rejects Contraceptive Coverage Bill
Friday, March 30, 2012
The Arizona Senate will re-vote on a measure (HB 2625) that would allow employers to refuse to provide contraceptive coverage for moral or religious reasons, the AP/NECN reports.

Idaho House Approves Resolution Opposing Federal Contraceptive Coverage Rules
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Idaho House on Friday approved a nonbinding resolution urging President Obama and Congress to invalidate the federal contraceptive coverage rules, the AP/Idaho Press-Tribune reports.

Ariz. Contraception Bill Stalls Amid Concerns About Disclosing Medical Information
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Arizona Senate President Steve Pierce (R) on Monday removed a bill (HB 2625) from a Senate committee agenda that would require women seeking contraceptives to provide proof of a medical need if their employer does not cover the drugs for moral or religious reasons, the AP/San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Texas Sues Federal Government Over Medicaid Women's Health Program
Monday, March 19, 2012
Texas' attorney general on Friday filed a lawsuit against HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and her agency over its decision to halt funding for the state's Medicaid Women's Health Program, Modern Healthcare reports.

Ariz. Senate Comm. Approves Bill To Expand Exemptions to State Contraceptive Coverage Law
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Arizona's Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday approved a bill (HB 2625) that would allow any employer to refuse to provide contraceptive coverage for moral or religious reasons, the Arizona Daily Star reports.

HHS Confirms Cutoff of Financing for Texas' Medicaid Women's Health Program
Monday, March 12, 2012
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Friday confirmed that the federal government will end funding to Texas' Medicaid Women's Health Program because of a state law that bars participation by Planned Parenthood and other "affiliates of abortion providers," The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports.

Minn. Bill Would Apply Contraceptive Coverage Rules to 'Grandfathered' Plans
Monday, March 12, 2012
Minnesota Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL) last week introduced a bill (HF 2737) that would apply the new federal contraceptive coverage rules to certain employer-sponsored health plans that otherwise would not have to comply, the St. Cloud Times reports.

Texas Gov. Perry Pledges To Fund Medicaid Women's Health Program
Friday, March 9, 2012
Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) on Thursday said the state will use its own money to continue its Medicaid Women's Health Program, regardless of whether the federal government cuts off funding to the program because of a new state law, the Texas Tribune reports.

N.H. House Approves Bill To Allow Religious Exemptions to State Contraceptive Coverage Law
Friday, March 9, 2012
The New Hampshire House on Wednesday voted to approve legislation (HB 1546) that would exempt religious employers from a state law that requires health plans to cover contraceptive services, Reuters reports.

N.Y. Warns Insurers That They Must Cover Women's Preferred Contraceptives Under Medicaid
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
New York health insurers will lose state Medicaid contracts if they deny coverage of brand-name contraceptives, unless lower-cost, generic versions "fail first," the state warned on Monday, AP/U-T San Diego reports.

N.H. Bill Could Threaten State Medicaid Program
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
A New Hampshire bill that would bar organizations that offer abortion services from entering government contracts threatens to jeopardize the state's Medicaid program if enacted, the AP/Boston Globe reports.

Ariz. House Approves Bill To Expand Exemptions to State Contraceptive Coverage Law
Friday, March 2, 2012
The Arizona House on Thursday approved a bill (HB 2625) that would allow any employer to refuse to provide contraceptive coverage for religious reasons, the Arizona Republic reports.

Texas To Begin Enforcing Law To Cut Off Medicaid Women's Health Care Providers
Friday, February 24, 2012
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday announced it will implement a state law that bars Planned Parenthood clinics and other "affiliates of abortion providers" from participating in the state's Medicaid Women's Health Program, the Texas Tribune reports.

Federal Judge Blocks Wash. Rule Requiring Pharmacies to Dispense Emergency Contraception
Thursday, February 23, 2012
A federal judge on Wednesday struck down Washington state regulations requiring pharmacies to dispense emergency contraception, The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports.

Neb. Legislature Approves Family Planning Bill After Adding Funding Restrictions
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
A hearing in the Nebraska Legislature on Monday to discuss a Medicaid family planning bill (LB 540) turned to a debate over restricting abortion-related funding, the Omaha World-Herald reports.

Hawaii Bill Would Improve Emergency Contraception Access for Sexual Assault Survivors
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Hawaii House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved a bill (HB 127) that would require hospitals treating sexual assault survivors to provide information about emergency contraception and dispense the drugs upon request, the AP/Columbus Republic reports.

N.H. House Passes Bill Prohibiting Funding for Groups That Offer Abortion Care
Friday, January 20, 2012
The New Hampshire House on Wednesday voted 207-147 to approve a bill (HB 228) that would prohibit the state from contracting with organizations providing abortion services that are not covered by Medicaid, the Concord Monitor reports.

Texas Excludes Many Organizations From Women's Health Program
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The Texas Department of State Health Services on Tuesday released a sharply curtailed list of organizations that will receive state funding to offer family planning and other women's health services, the Texas Tribune reports.

New Md. Law Will Expand Medicaid Family Planning Benefits
Thursday, January 5, 2012
More low-income Maryland women are eligible for Medicaid family planning services and other preventive care under a law (HB 778) that took effect on Jan. 1, the AP/Hagerstown Herald-Mail reports.

HHS Rejects Texas' Request To Exclude Planned Parenthood, Other Providers From Medicaid
Thursday, December 15, 2011
HHS this week rejected Texas' request for a waiver allowing the state to exclude certain providers from its Medicaid Women's Health Program because they offer abortion care or are affiliated with groups that do, the Texas Tribune reports.

Kan. Has Spent Nearly $400K To Defend New Antiabortion Restrictions
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Kansas has amassed $392,520 in legal bills in the last six months for the defense of new laws restricting abortion rights and family planning funding, the Kansas City Star reports.

Family Planning Clinics Struggle Under State Funding Cuts
Monday, October 17, 2011
Significant cuts to funding for family planning in Texas have strained many health clinics' ability to provide preventive health services for low-income residents, the Texas Tribune/New York Times reports.

Dodge City, Kan., Family Planning Clinic Allowed To Join Lawsuit Over Funding
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Marten on Tuesday said the Dodge City Family Planning Clinic in Kansas may join a lawsuit by Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri that challenges a new state law blocking federal Title X family planning money to the organizations, the AP/Forbes reports.

N.H. Officials File Protest Over Planned Parenthood Contract
Monday, October 3, 2011
A Christian legal organization representing three members of the New Hampshire Executive Council filed a formal protest with HHS and the Government Accountability Office over the federal government's decision to award a Title X family planning contract to Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, the AP/Boston Globe reports.

Planned Parenthood, Religious Group Vie for Title X Contract in Tenn.
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Shelby County Commission in Tennessee on Wednesday voted 6-4, along party lines, to defer for three weeks a decision on whether Christ Community Health Services will be awarded a federal Title X family planning contract, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.

Texas Gov. Perry Has Track Record of Cutting Women's Health Programs
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) and lawmakers in the state have cut funding for family planning clinics by about two-thirds this year, a move that is "less about saving money and more about abortion and contraception," according to NPR's "Morning Edition."

HHS Takes Over Contracting Process for N.H. Family Planning Services
Friday, September 9, 2011
The federal government will decide how to award a Title X family planning contract in New Hampshire after the state's Executive Council voted against awarding the contract to Planned Parenthood of Northern New England and the state was unable to find other providers to offer the services, the Nashua Telegraph reports.

Kan. Will Obey Judge's Order To Resume Planned Parenthood Payments
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Kansas officials on Aug. 31 said the state will comply with a federal judge's order to resume the allocation of Title X federal family planning payments to Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri while it pursues an appeal, the AP/Washington Post reports.

Planned Parenthood Asks Judge To Force Kan. To Resume Making Payments
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Attorneys representing Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri on Monday asked U.S. District Judge Thomas Marten to require the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to resume quarterly payments of federal Title X family planning funds, the AP/Bloomberg Businessweek reports.

Kan. Seeks Approval for Monthly Payments to Planned Parenthood
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Lawyers at the Kansas Attorney General's office have asked a federal judge to clarify whether the state can make monthly payments of federal family planning funds to Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri, the AP/Kansas City Star reports.

N.C. District Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction on Budget Provision Blocking Planned Parenthood Funding
Monday, August 22, 2011
U.S. District Judge James Beaty on Friday temporarily blocked a budget provision preventing the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services from distributing state and federal family planning grants to Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.

N.H. Health Officials Defer To Federal Government on Family Planning Services Funds
Monday, August 22, 2011
Earlier this month, New Hampshire Health Commissioner Nick Toumpas informed HHS officials that state health officials do not plan to restore family planning services previously offered by Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, the Concord Monitor reports.

Judge Rejects Kansas' Request To Block Injunction In Planned Parenthood Funding Case
Friday, August 19, 2011
U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten on Wednesday rejected a request from the state of Kansas to block a temporary injunction that halts enforcement of a state law blocking federal family planning funding for Planned Parenthood, AP/WIBW reports

Texas Cuts Family Planning Funds While Boosting 'Abortion Alternatives' Program
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Texas Legislature last month voted to cut funding for family planning services by two-thirds and increase the budget for the state's Alternatives to Abortion Services program by $300,000 for each of the next two fiscal years, the Texas Tribune/New York Times reports.

Judge Could Rule Soon on N.C. Planned Parenthood Case
Thursday, August 11, 2011
U.S. District Judge James Beaty on Wednesday heard arguments in a lawsuit over a provision in the North Carolina budget that prevents the state's Department of Health and Human Services from distributing state and federal family planning grants to Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Kan. Appeals Judge's Order in Planned Parenthood Case
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Kansas on Tuesday filed a notice of appeal asking a federal judge to overturn a temporary injunction blocking a state law that ends the state's allocation of federal family planning funding to Planned Parenthood, the AP/Wichita Eagle reports.

Judge Blocks Kan. Law Preventing Federal Family Planning Funds for Planned Parenthood
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
U.S. District Judge Thomas Marten on Monday granted a request from Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri to temporarily block enforcement of a recently enacted state law that would require Kansas to allocate federal family planning funding to public health departments and hospitals, leaving no money for Planned Parenthood and similar groups, the AP/Washington Post reports.

Ind. Asks Court To Allow Enforcement of State Law Prohibiting Medicaid Funds to Planned Parenthood
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller (R) on Monday asked the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago to reverse U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt's decision to issue a preliminary injunction halting enforcement of a state law that eliminates state and federal Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood of Indiana and other clinics that offer abortion services, the Evansville Courier & Press reports.

Planned Parenthood Says Kan. Law Part of National Campaign Against Abortion Rights
Monday, August 1, 2011
A new Kansas law -- which redirects the state's federal Title X family planning funds to public health departments and hospitals, leaving no money for Planned Parenthood clinics and similar groups -- is part of a national effort against the organization's advocacy of abortion rights, attorneys for the Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri argued in a court filing on Wednesday, the AP/Kansas City Star reports.

County Officials in Mont. Consider Refusing Title X Funds
Monday, August 1, 2011
Commissioners in Ravalli County, Mont., have raised concerns about accepting federal Title X family planning funding to provide family planning services at a county clinic and declined to sign a task order authorizing the nearly $39,000 contract, the Ravalli Republic reports.

Kan. Abortion Opponents Seek Even More Restrictions
Monday, July 18, 2011
After winning passage of several bills this legislative session, Kansas antiabortion-rights groups are planning to push for more measures in the fall to restrict abortion access, the AP/Wichita Eagle reports.

Planned Parenthood Heads to Court in N.C., Kan.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina on Tuesday asked a federal court to schedule an early hearing for its federal lawsuit over a provision in the state budget that prevents the state Department of Health and Human Services from distributing grants to the organization, the AP/Charlotte Observer reports.

Wis. Planned Parenthood Prepares for Funding Cuts Under New State Budget
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Planned Parenthood affiliates in Wisconsin are evaluating how funding cuts in the recently approved state budget will affect services at their health centers, the Appleton Post Crescent reports.

N.H. Given Until August To Restore Family Planning Services or Lose Federal Funding
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
New Hampshire health officials by early next month must prove how they can restore family planning services previously offered by Planned Parenthood of Northern New England or the state risks losing federal funding, state Health Commissioner Nick Toumpas said on Monday, the Concord Monitor reports.

N.H. Planned Parenthood Clinics Stop Dispensing Birth Control After Contract Loss
Monday, July 11, 2011
Six Planned Parenthood clinics in New Hampshire last week stopped dispensing contraceptives after the state's Executive Council voted to reject a new contract with the organization, the Concord Monitor reports.

Planned Parenthood Sues Over N.C. Law Blocking Federal Grants
Friday, July 8, 2011
Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday seeking to block a provision in the state budget that prevents the state Department of Health and Human Services from distributing federal grants to the organization, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Hearing Delayed in Planned Parenthood Lawsuit Over Kan. Law
Thursday, July 7, 2011
U.S. District Judge Thomas Marten on Wednesday agreed to postpone the first hearing in a lawsuit over a Kansas law that prevents family planning funds from going to Planned Parenthood clinics, the AP/Wichita Eagle reports.

Texas Budget Cuts Target Planned Parenthood Preventive Care Programs
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas are evaluating how to continue providing family planning and preventive care services to clients following passage of a state budget measure that eliminated two-thirds of funding for the state's family planning program, which provides preventive health services to low income residents, the Abilene Reporter-News reports.

Planned Parenthood Takes Up Multiple Legal Challenges Nationwide
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Planned Parenthood is fighting an "increasingly aggressive campaign" against legislation in several states that restricts abortion rights or cuts off funding to the organization, Politico reports.

New York City Mayor, Conn., Vt. Govs. Speak Against Proposed Cuts to Planned Parenthood
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy (D) and Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) on Tuesday said that House-approved funding cuts for the Title X family planning program and Planned Parenthood would harm low-income women and might increase the number of abortions, The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports.