SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – September 28, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – The Planned Parenthood Association of Utah is ready to take legal action against Governor Gary Herbert. The move is in response to Governor Herbert’s August 14, 2015 executive order prohibiting state agencies from distributing federal money to Planned Parenthood.
Utah Planned Parenthood CEO Karrie Galloway announced the impending legal action at a Monday morning press conference. She also revealed Planned Parenthood had retained Utah legal firm Magleby and Greenwood to file the suit.
“While we have always known that playing politics with the lives of Utahns is wrong and short-sighted, we have learned that Governor Herbert’s actions are also unconstitutional,” Galloway said. “Let me be clear: We will not break our commitment to the people of Utah. Planned Parenthood is here for Utahns – no matter what.”
Galloway’s comments were echoed by Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Governor Herbert is targeting access to critical, lifesaving health care and education for women, men and teens in Utah–including STD tests for rape survivors,” Richards said. “It’s unconscionable — and based on totally false and discredited claims from anti-abortion extremists who are far outside the mainstream. The public and the facts are on our side, and Planned Parenthood will fight this with everything we’ve got.”
Word of the lawsuit against Governor Herbert comes just days after Planned Parenthood of Utah announced it was adding two new members to its legal team.
Salt Lake City attorney Peggy Tomsic will be spearheading the case against the governor. She recently fought to overturn Utah’s gay marriage ban.
Human rights attorney Kate Kelly, also recently joined Planned Parenthood legal team in an advisory role. Kelly recently made headlines while leading a public campaign to have women ordained in the priesthood of the LDS Church. She was excommunicated in 2014.
Herbert’s executive order stems from the release of video recordings purporting to show members of Planned Parenthood discussing the harvesting and selling fetal tissue for medical research. Planned Parenthood says the videos, which were shot by members of a national anti-abortion group, were altered and taken out of context.
Governor Herbert’s officer responded to Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit Monday afternoon.
“Gov. Herbert stands by his actions to cease acting as a pass-through for federal funds to Planned Parenthood. He was offended by the actions of Planned Parenthood and the callousness with which they discussed human life. The health of Utahns, especially women, remains a priority for the governor. He will continue working with the state health department, local health departments, community health centers, non-profit clinics and others to provide these important services.”
Thank you for breaking this story and I would like to pass on my unconditional support to the legal team in their pursuit of their action. Planned Parenthood is a resource for low and middle income families in a state that rates low where women’s wages are concerned. This is a state on the other hand that is known for its generosity and compassion. I would hope that the governor will re-consider his position in the light of his better self.
I commend Gov. Herbert. It’s time the money goes to actual agencies that will conduct real women’s Healthcare. Also, with Obama care there is no need to Planned Parenthood! It’s the law
Planned parent hood is unnecessary because of the Obamacare garbage that was shoved down our throats. Anything that is done at PP can be done at a REAL hosptial. So enough of the crying that the services will be no longer available. It is absolutely disgusting that people still show support for this EVIL organization. People are selling baby parts! You liberal idiots need to pull your head out of your a$$es.