JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri — A Missouri judge has upheld a state prohibition against state funds going towards abortion providers by ordering two separate Planned Parenthood facilities to return a total of $668,850. This ruling marks the third time that a Missouri judge has declared that Planned Parenthood is not entitled to state grants for family planning.
Governor Matt Blunt hailed the decision, saying it was “very encouraging to see a court embracing the culture of life that Missourians hold dear.”
Both Planned Parenthood facilities that are affected by the decision have indicated that they will appeal the decision.
Executive Director of Missouri Right to Life, Patricia Skain, said that Missouri pro-lifers, while pleased with the decision, admit that there exists a chance the appeal could succeed.
However, the current Republican Missouri government ceased funding family-planning grants altogether in 2004, permanently barring the way for any further state funding making its way to Planned Parenthood coffers. The currently contested funding was paid out previously in 2000 and 2003. Despite her misgivings, Ms. Skain expressed confidence that the current pro-life government, as well as the solid and specific language of the legislation, would ultimately be upheld.
(This update courtesy of LifeSiteNews.com.)
