Planned Parenthood asked a federal judge Thursday for a temporary restraining order or injunction against the cancelation of its Medicaid contract in Arkansas.
Federal Judge Kristine Baker must weigh whether the provider’s Medicaid patients will be able to seek the same services elsewhere in the state during the course of legal proceedings as the group sues to stop the cancelation.
Governor Asa Hutchinson announced last month Planned Parenthood’s contract would end by September 21st. His decision followed the release of secretly recorded and edited videos from the pro-life Center For Medical Progress. The videos showed Planned Parenthood staff discussing fetal tissue donation.
Planned Parenthood in Arkansas does not perform surgical abortions or handle fetal tissue. Its contract will be ended Monday unless the judge issues a ruling to allow services to continue.
The Department of Justice recently said it is not legal for states to cancel Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid contacts in a similar case in Louisiana. Alabama is also reviewing the matter in court.
