Thursday, Federal Judge Kristine Baker issued a preliminary injunction barring Arkansas from denying Medicaid funding for serviced provided by Planned Parenthood. After Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced in August 2015 that Arkansas would cut off funding to the nonprofit health care provider, Planned Parenthood and three anonymous patients filed a lawsuit against the state.
Suzanna de Baca, CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, said “This is a win for the Arkansans who rely on Planned Parenthood…Every person deserves access to quality, affordable health care from the provider they know and trust…” However, state officials, including Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, think otherwise. In a statement made on Thursday, Rutledge spokesman Judd Deer said “Attorney General Rutledge is disappointed with Judge Baker’s decision…Thankfully, the ultimate issues in this case will be decided by the Court of Appeals.”
