Update: Here's a statement from Gov. Rick Perry:
鈥淭oday鈥檚 ruling finally clears the way for thousands of low-income Texas women to access much-needed care, while at the same time respecting the values and laws of our state. I applaud all those who stand ready to help these women live healthy lives without sending taxpayer money to abortion providers and their affiliates.鈥�
Original post: A judge has ruled against granting Planned Parenthood a temporary restraining order that would prevent it from being kicked out of the state鈥檚 new Women鈥檚 Health Program.
Texas officials plan to launch a new program on Jan. 1 that will provide family planning services, well-woman exams and more, but will exclude clinics affiliated with abortion providers 鈥� mainly Planned Parenthood, which historically has provided over approximately half the services in the program.
Planned Parenthood saying the ban violates state law. The group had asked a judge to stop the state from excluding its health clinics until a full trial can be held.
That lawsuit will still go forward, but the state鈥檚 new Women鈥檚 Health Program will begin tomorrow 鈥� without Planned Parenthood.
鈥淩egardless of what happens in the courts, Planned Parenthood will be here for our patients,鈥� Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas鈥檚 Ken S. Lambrecht says in a statement. 鈥淥ur doors remain open today and always to Texas women in need. We only wish Texas politicians shared this commitment to Texas women, their health, and their wellbeing.鈥�
Another hearing on Planned Parenthood鈥檚 fate in the health program is scheduled for Jan. 11. That鈥檚 when another judge will hear Planned Parenthood鈥檚 request for a temporary injunction to remain in the Women鈥檚 Health Program.
