AUSTIN - - Planned Parenthood has asked a Texas court to order the state to continue funding the organization's preventive health care for poor women. The judge said he would issue a decision on Monday.
The Republican-controlled Legislature doesn't want any money going to doctors or clinics affiliated with Planned Parenthood, even if all they provide is birth control. Planned Parenthood complains that the new rule set to take effect on Jan. 1 is unconstitutional.
Federal authorities are cutting off funding effective Dec. 31 because they say the affiliate rule violates federal law by denying a woman the right to choose her doctor. That forced the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to start a new Women's Health Program on Jan. 1 without federal funding.
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