ACLU: Texas Withholding Significant Statistics On Abortion In The State
The 2014 data would show information from the first full year during which the state implemented provisions of the controversial abortion law known as House Bill 2. The Department of State Health Services says the work isn't complete yet and that's why it hasn't been released.
Texas Tribune:
ACLU: Texas Health Agency Should "Stop Concealing" Abortion Statistics
With the U.S. Supreme Court poised to decide the biggest abortion case in nearly a decade, the ACLU of Texas is demanding that the Department of State Health Services “stop concealing” abortion statistics for 2014 and make the information public. In a letter sent Wednesday to department Commissioner John Hellerstedt, the ACLU accused the state agency of purposely withholding statistics that would show patterns of abortion across the state in 2014, including the number of Texan women who had abortions, the procedures they used and the types of facilities they visited. (Pattani, 6/15)
In other news, a Kentucky court grants a temporary injunction against an abortion clinic, a judge in Florida sets a date to hear arguments on a major abortion law in the state and Planned Parenthood sues Mississippi —
Reuters:
Kentucky Court Grants Injunction Against Abortion Clinic
A Kentucky appeals court on Wednesday granted Republican Governor Matt Bevin a temporary injunction against a Lexington abortion clinic his administration said was not properly licensed. In a 3-0 ruling, the Kentucky Court of Appeals overturned a March decision from a lower court judge that denied the governor an injunction against EMW Women's Clinic. In Wednesday's order, the judges said the state's Cabinet for Health and Family Services had the right to regulate how abortions were performed and how clinics were licensed. (Bittenbender, 6/15)
Health News Florida:
Judge To Hear Arguments In Abortion Law Challenge
A Tallahassee federal judge will hear arguments June 29 on a request from Planned Parenthood to block parts of a major abortion law approved this year by Gov. Rick Scott and Florida lawmakers. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle issued an order Monday setting the date to hear arguments about whether to issue a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order against the law, which is scheduled to take effect July 1. (6/15)
The Associated Press:
Planned Parenthood Sues Mississippi Over Defunding Law
Planned Parenthood is suing Mississippi over a new state law that will ban Medicaid from spending money with any abortion provider. Records show that from July 2013 to August 2015, Mississippi Medicaid spent $439 with Planned Parenthood. The state could easily spend more than that to defend itself in the lawsuit. (6/15)
