Success: Judge Prevents Defunding of Planned Parenthood

Target: U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker

Goal: Praise decision to block efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.

Planned Parenthood will not be shut down in Arkansas after a federal judge intervened and prevented the state from blocking Medicaid payments to the women’s health organization. U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker issued an injunction that forbids Arkansas from halting payments to Planned Parenthood and ensures that the organization will continue to operate unimpeded.

In her ruling Baker claimed that the defunding initiative would cause “irreparable harm” to women in need of abortions and other medical assistance. Unfortunately Arkansas is not the first state to try and cut off funding for Planned Parenthood. Federal courts have also blocked attempts by Utah, Kansas and Louisiana.

Planned Parenthood has long been the target of Republican legislators who do not believe in a woman’s freedom to choice. Despite educating the public about sexual activity and providing access to life-saving medical procedures, Planned Parenthood faces a constant struggle to stave off defunding. The fight to save the organization can be evidence by the ForceChange petitions found here and here.

Women across the country deserve access to the services provided by Planned Parenthood. Sign the petition below to thank Judge Baker for her progressive decision.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Judge Baker,

I am writing to applaud your recent injunction that blocked an attempt to defund Planned Parenthood in Arkansas. Your progressive ruling ensures that women in the state will continue to have access to quality health care and prevents pro-life advocates from denying women the right to choose.

Planned Parenthood has long been the target of Republican legislators, and our country needs judges like you to stop them from shutting down this important organization. Planned Parenthood provides access to important (often life-saving) medical procedures and should not be permanently closed simply because certain legislators are anti-abortion. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to protecting women.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Charlotte Cooper