/Planned Parenthood slaps state over impending payment law

Planned Parenthood slaps state over impending payment law

The U.S. District Court of Southern Mississippi is suing to “vindicate rights” provided by federal Medicaid statutes, as well as the Equal Protection Clause of U.S. Constitution and Due Process Clause. David J. Dzielak is being sued as the state’s Medicaid executive chief. His office did not return a request for comment soon after the lawsuit was filed. The bill will affect payments for birth control services as Medicaid cannot pay for Mississippi abortions and related services. According to state Medicaid reports, the state has spent approximately $400 on Planned Parenthood services in Mississippi over the past three fiscal year. Planned Parenthood is suing the state for a new law, Senate Bill 2238. It claims that the law disqualifies any entity performing abortions from Medicaid funding, except in “extremely narrowly specified circumstances”. The lawsuit also claims that the law will “cause irreparable injury” and prevent Planned Parenthood patients (including Jane Doe) from receiving other Medicaid services from the “qualified, willing provider” of their choosing. The law will take effect July 1, unless a court order otherwise. Planned Parenthood Southeast Inc. is the lead plaintiff. It does not offer abortions in Mississippi, but it does so in Alabama and Georgia. Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region Inc. is the co-plaintiff. This organization serves clients in Mississippi who live near Memphis. Medicaid works with both entities to provide low-income women services like contraception, counseling, physical exams and screenings. The Memphis group also offers abortions. After a national uproar about videos that allegedly showed national Planned Parenthood staff discussing the value of fetal bodies and other issues, the Legislature passed SB 2238.