WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 (UPI) — Alabama became the third state in a week to drop state funding for Planned Parenthood in response to undercover videos that appear to discuss the sale of aborted fetuses.
Gov. Robert Bentley, a medical doctor, tweeted “I respect human life, and I do not want Alabama to be associated with an organization that does not.” The Alabama Medicaid Agency will terminate its contract with Planned Parenthood with a 15-day notice. The nonprofit has 60 days to appeal.
“As a doctor and Alabama’s Governor, the issue of human life, from conception to birth and beyond, is extremely important to me,” he tweeted.
Staci Fox, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast, said Bentley’s decision will deprive thousands from needed services.
“The courts have been clear that the federal law prohibits states from excluding abortion providers from Medicaid,” she said. “Planned Parenthood’s doors remain open and we will continue to provide high-quality, compassionate care to the women and men who rely on us.”
Bentley’s announcement comes after New Hampshire and Louisiana made similar moves after several covert videos from an anti-abortion group claimed to show Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale of fetal tissue. Planned Parenthood officials said they have not broken any laws and accuse the group, The Center for Medical Progress, of heavily editing the videos.
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