LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KARK 4 News) — Judge Kristine G. Baker issued a temporary restraining order against the Arkansas Department of Human Services on Friday afternoon, according to court records.
Baker ruled that Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and the three unnamed women that had a lawsuitfiled on their behalf against DHS on September 11 met their initial burden fro a temporary restraining order to maintain the status quo.
The judge granted their motion and temporary restrained the Arkansas Department of Human Services from suspending Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood for services rendered to Medicaid beneficiaries, according to court documents.
The temporary order will last until October 2 at 4:55 p.m. unless Baker decides to extend it, according to court records.
In response to Baker’s order, Gov. Asa Hutchinson released the following statement:
“As governor, I disagree with the Court’s decision. Ethical conduct by Medicaid providers is a relevant factor for the state to consider. Hopefully, the Court or a higher court will reconsider the preliminary decision once the facts are fully developed. It is disappointing that a judge appointed by President Obama does not give sufficient weight to the morally repugnant conduct of Planned Parenthood displayed in a series of recently released videos.”
“This ruling comes on the heels of Federal Courts blocking similar efforts across the country,” said Rita Sklar, Executive Director for the ACLU of Arkansas. “To date, two federal Courts of Appeals, the Seventh and Ninth Circuits, have blocked similar laws enacted in Indiana and Arizona, and the Supreme Court declined to review both of those rulings. We are confident in the merits of this case and hope the federal courts will ultimately rule on the side of the women who rely on Medicaid programs for basic, preventive health care.”
“We are grateful the court has ruled on the side of the women, men and teens in Arkansas who rely on Planned Parenthood for care,” said Suzanna de Baca, CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland. “For our patients, this isn’t about politics—it’s about staying healthy and building a future.”
To read the full ruling from Baker, click here.
This article originally appeared at arkansasmatters.com.