A federal judge on Friday blocked an OH law that would have diverted the last government funding from Planned Parenthood clinics across the state.
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More than $1.4 million in funding that Planned Parenthood receives from the Ohio Health Department was at stake.
The “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies” program that supports mostly black mothers before, during, and after pregnancy.
Proponents of the OH law counter that taxpayers should not have to pay for something that goes against their values and that the state has a right to choose the programs it funds. “OH is right to end its relationship with organizations undeserving of taxpayer money and unworthy of the taxpayers’ trust”.
A spokesman for Attorney General Mike DeWine confirmed Friday afternoon that the state intends to appeal Barrett’s ruling.
A judge is continuing to force OH to fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business with taxpayer dollars.
U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett in Cincinnati sided with Planned Parenthood on Friday in granting a permanent injunction. “Millions of them have an objection to Planned Parenthood’s pro-abortion business model”.
“Based on this evidence in the record, the Court finds the irreparable injury is continuing and there is a lack of an adequate remedy at law because monetary damages could not compensate Plaintiffs for this injury”, Barrett wrote.
“It is the public policy of the state of OH to prefer childbirth over abortion, and we should be allowed to allocate funds accordingly”.
The wrinkle in this case is that it’s already illegal for Planned Parenthood to spend any money it receives from the state on abortion.
He said: “Not one more penny should go to Planned Parenthood, a scandal-plagued abortion business that does not provide comprehensive health care services for women”.
The group’s attorneys argued the law was unconstitutional because it required, as a condition of receiving government funds, that recipients abandon their constitutionally protected rights to free speech and to provide abortion services.
Planned Parenthood officials praised the judge’s decision, calling it a win for OH residents who rely on the organization for care.
The 2016 law was signed by Ohio Gov. John Kasich this spring during his GOP presidential bid, amid a politically charged national debate over Planned Parenthood.
Planned Parenthood is a national target because of its role as the largest USA abortion provider.
“Judge Barrett’s decision is a clear violation of states’ rights and the conscience rights of taxpayers”, said Katie Franklin, director of communications for Ohio Right to Life.
“It is the public policy of the state of OH to prefer childbirth over abortion, and we should be allowed to allocate funds accordingly”, she said in a statement.
According to Planned Parenthood, politicians in 24 states have either enacted or proposed measures since last July that target the organization with defunding.
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The defense has also asked the judge to notify them before the state hospital takes any steps to force medicate Dear. Anti-Abortion groups are criticizing the ruling, calling the judge an activist.
