While it’s still too early for any major celebrating, the bill to defund Planned Parenthood in Indiana that Governor Mitch Daniels signed into law today is definitely a positive step for efforts to defund America’s largest abortion chain.
Indiana First State To Cut Off PP’s Funding
When Governor Mitch Daniels signed this bill into law, Indiana became the first state in the union to cut off all funds to Planned Parenthood.
When debating whether to cut off funds, the evidence obtained by activist Lila Rose and LiveAction were crucial in the decision to pass the bill.
I love this example of the importance of activists and legislators working together! With pro-lifers attacking this abortion giant from all sides, we will continue to see victories like this piling up!
Judge Declares Impact Not Enough For Injunction
Planned Parenthood of Indiana, terrified at the loss of $1.5 million in state Medicaid money, rushed to court to ask for an injunction the moment the governor signed the bill prohibiting funds from going into their coffers.
PP told the judge that 13 of its 28 “health centers” would be put in “jeopardy” if the funding were removed.
They claimed also that, because the bill goes into effect immediately, it unconstitutionally voids previously made contracts. And they complained that having to tell women that life begins at fertilization and that an unborn baby may feel pain around 20 weeks gestation are violations of their right to “free speech.”
Judge Tanya Walton Pratt denied PP’s request for an injunction, saying, “This court is not persuaded that (the law) will have a concrete and immediate effect,” since PP can bill Medicaid up to a year after services are provided.
Her final ruling will be made by July, giving them plenty of time to bill Medicaid if she does rule in PP’s favor. She also stated that they have an emergency fund to help them cover expenses between now and then, so any damage to them won’t be “irreparable.”