Planned Parenthood will still lose funds

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Despite filing a restraining order Wednesday to stop legislation that would bar its funding, Planned Parenthood of Indiana will no longer be eligible for any state dollars.

A federal judge has decided Planned Parenthood of Indiana will no longer be receiving state funding despite efforts by the ACLU to stop the legislation that bars the healthcare provider from state funds. It also makes the provider ineligible for Medicaid funding. For some locally, this comes as bad news.

"Planned Parenthood has helped me out a lot, and now that I can't go there, I don't know! It's going to be hard, really hard, finding a place," said Christina Scales, a local Medicaid user and Planned Parenthood patient.

"I've checked around in the community, other than Planned Parenthood. If you can't afford to go to a regular doctor there are any number of things that no one can provide except Planned Parenthood," said Cynthy Scruggs, a local supporter of the group. Scruggs said she has turned to the local Planned Parenthood for her healthcare needs for years.

For others the ruling means their voices have been heard by legislators. While Planned Parenthood does not receive any federal or state funding to use toward abortion services, many pro-life groups feel state dollars shouldn't go to an organization that offers the service.

"I am against their way of thinking. I think they really do promote abortion, even if they don't get funds from it," said Marlene Bibby, a local supporter of the legislation.

The local chapter of pro-life group 40 Days for Life released a statement that said, "We at 40 Days for Life in Lafayette are happy that Judge Pratt's decision denies Planned Parenthood's request for a restraining order because Planned Parenthood IS in the business of providing abortions."

Planned Parenthood of Indiana President Betty Cockrum said the judge's decision to uphold the legislation means centers will no longer be able to take Medicaid users, which account for a large number of their patients.

"The state, yesterday afternoon, immediately upon the signature by the governor, declared we are no longer a Medicaid provider, and we of course sought the temporary restraining order, so that we could continue to see our Medicaid patients," said Cockrum.

PRIDE Lafayette President Ashley Smith said the downtown center will no longer be able to provide free screening services, which the organization has been offering for years.

"We would actually lose our HIV testing program, at the community center. And it would be really devastating to our community if Planned Parenthood loses its funding," said Smith.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana spokeswoman Kate Shepherd said the Indiana centers will continue to provide services to Medicaid users until Saturday, when the organization will re-evaluate the situation.