Indiana's Planned Parenthood strategy threatened, defended

The recent decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reject the changes in Indiana’s Medicaid plan, saying it illegally bans funding for Planned Parenthood of Indiana, was praised by Planned Parenthood, derided by anti-abortion advocates, and challenged by state officials Thursday.

“It is incredibly gratifying to have the federal government confirm what we’ve been saying all along, that House Enrolled Act 1210 violates federal law,” said Betty Cockrum, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Indiana. “It is right that the federal government take action against Indiana and set an example for other states seeking to adopt this type of harmful legislation.”