Success: Texas Blocked From Defunding Planned Parenthood

Target: Texas Planned Parenthood

Goal: Thank Planned Parenthood for successfully fighting back against efforts to defund crucial services.

Just days before Texas planned to start denying Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood, a U.S. district judge stepped in to block the effort. The state told the organization it had one month before funds would be cut off, which caused a huge outcry from many activists, including this ForceChange petition. Similar actions have been taken by federal judges in Arkansas, Alabama, Kansas, and Mississippi who, like Texas, all cited video footage depicting the women’s health organization profiting off fetal tissue. Planned Parenthood has not been found guilty of these accusations, giving states no reason to harm its operations.

The judge who blocked the de-funding, Sam Sparks, previously intervened on another bill Texas attempted to pass which would have made it law that aborted fetuses must be cremated or buried. Planned Parenthood helps over 11,000 low-income women each year, and funds from Medicaid go towards services like STD screenings and birth control. Sign this petition to thank Planned Parenthood and its supporters for fighting in court to preserve crucial funding.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Texas Planned Parenthood,

I am writing to thank you for fighting in court to preserve funding for crucial health services offered in Texas. Due to your actions, thousands of low-income women will continue to receive healthcare services at an affordable rate. As you know, taxpayer dollars don’t go toward abortions, which is what conservatives are mostly concerned about, and video footage depicting the organization using fetal tissue for profit, which they are also concerned about, has not brought about any charges.

I hope you will continue to fight for women’s rights and I support your efforts.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Lorie Shaull