Judge OKs Texas Ousting Planned Parenthood From Medicaid Program

Texas can move forward with ousting Planned Parenthood from its state Medicaid program, a state district judge ruled Wednesday, dealing a blow to thousands of low-income people who rely on the health care provider for dozens of essential services.

Planned Parenthood says the decision will impact thousands of patients who use its clinics for reproductive health needs, STI testing, pap smears, contraception, mammograms, cancer screenings and other services during a global pandemic, and that it will lead to a shortage in providers for Texas’ most vulnerable people.