News and Stories: PPIN President and CEO Urges Appeals Court to Side with Indiana's Health

ACLU of Indiana and PPIN argue to preserve key funds for preventive care

(Indianapolis) – Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana were in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago this morning, defending PPIN's patients and the lifesaving, preventive care the nonprofit provides.

The ACLU of Indiana, which is representing PPIN in its legal proceedings, presented its oral argument in the State of Indiana's appeal of a U.S. District Court judge's ruling in favor of a preliminary injunction that halted the enforcement of HEA 1210, the new state law that strips Medicaid funding from PPIN, impacting the ability of 9,300 Hoosiers to access preventive care at Planned Parenthood.

Following today's oral arguments from both the ACLU and the State of Indiana, PPIN President and CEO Betty Cockrum issued the following statement:

"Despite what others would lead you to believe, this remains a battle where the biggest loser is the State of Indiana's overall health," Cockrum said. "We're fighting for our patients – many of whom are unemployed, underinsured or living in poverty – and their access to preventive care such as lifesaving Pap tests, breast cancer screenings, birth control and STD testing and treatment.

"Simply put, taking away our Medicaid funding means taking away lifesaving health care from 9,300 Hoosiers. Not a penny of the federal funding we receive goes toward abortion," Cockrum added. "We remain confident we have a solid case, one that clearly shows how the state violated both the U.S. Constitution and federal law. We look forward to proving it once again in the Court of Appeals."

Ken Falk, legal director for the ACLU of Indiana, is leading the PPIN legal team. Planned Parenthood Federation of America is also providing legal assistance.

A ruling on the State's appeal of the preliminary injunction will be issued in the future and there is no set timeframe as to when the Court will make a decision. The ruling will be made in the form of a written opinion from the Court.