Planned Parenthood of Ind. extends Medicaid coverage again

Planned Parenthood of Indiana has once again extended its coverage of Medicaid patients. The extension is scheduled to last until at least June 15.

Planned Parenthood lost about $2 million in annual federal funding when Gov. Mitch Daniels signed a bill May 10 making it illegal for the state to enter into contracts with the family planning organization.

Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit in federal court, and a hearing is expected to take place June 6.

The organization said in a press release that it had received substantial donations. The donations came from indviduals in 46 states and multiple countries and had received more than $100,000 in donations since the last week of the legislative session when the bill was passed.

H.E.A. 1210, stripped Planned Parenthood of Indiana of its federal Medicaid funding, which is allocated through the state government.

t also put in place several new regulations for women seeking abortions and physicians that provide abortions.

Planned Parenthood said that the bill is a violation of federal law.  

The organization claims that it denies patients their first choice of health care providers.

Obama Administration officials have said they think the bill violates the law and are looking into the situation, according to the New York Times.  

—Zach Ammerman