News and Stories: Statement from PPIN President and CEO Betty Cockrum on Decision from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

(Indianapolis) – Statement from Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) President and CEO Betty Cockrum:

"It is incredibly gratifying to have the federal government confirm what we've been saying all along, that HEA 1210 violates federal law. It is right that the federal government take action against Indiana and set an example for other states seeking to adopt this type of harmful legislation.

"This new law is already preventing PPIN Medicaid patients from receiving some services, such as long-term contraceptives, and could ultimately cause 9,300 Medicaid patients to lose their preferred provider of Pap tests, STD testing and treatment, and birth control. Every day a woman is left without birth control increases the chances of an unintended pregnancy. That will have two possible effects for the state, an increase in births paid for by Medicaid and/or an increase in abortions.

"The message from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is clear, you cannot prevent Medicaid patients from choosing their family planning providers. I trust the State of Indiana will do the right thing, not only for PPIN patients, but for all Medicaid patients in the state and reverse its course."