Planned Parenthood Sues Texas

Planned Parenthood sued Texas today for excluding the group from participating in a program that provides contraception and check-ups to women. The group contends in its lawsuit that a new state law banning organizations affiliated with abortion providers from participating in the Women's Health Program amounts to unconstitutional discrimination by association. "The affiliate rule will cause irreparable harm to plaintiffs and to tens of thousands of low-income women," the suit alleges.

The federal government has cut funding to Texas over the law, which Rick Perry signed last year, saying it denies women the right to choose their health care providers. No taxpayer money is used to fund abortions and the clinics that perform them are legally separate. Texas says the rule is within its rights, and has sued the government for cutting off funding. (More Texas stories.)