Austin, Texas—Texas announced on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015 that it would be removing Medicaid funding to all clinics located in the state of Texas after a recent investigation of undercover videos discussing the sale of fetal tissue were released.
Planned Parenthood clinics received a letter from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Office of the Inspector General notifying affiliates that they are "no longer capable of performing medical services in a professionally competent, safe, legal, and ethical manner."
This move comes from a recent investigation, ordered by Republican Governor Greg Abbott, of released undercover videos from an anti-abortion organization highlighting the discussion of sale of aborted fetal tissue.
This decision hopes to provide improvement of health
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In September of 2011 Planned Parenthood was excluded from receiving any state funds and in 2013 Planned Parenthood was denied from participating in the Texas Women’s Health Program.
This recent ruling adds more fuel to Gov. Abbot’s LIFE Initiative plan. LIFE Initiative is a plan to protect the unborn and prevent the selling of body parts. The ‘F’ in LIFE refers to remove funding specifically for Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers out of taxpayer money completely, both at the State and local levels.
Planned Parenthood states that the allegations brought on to them regarding the videos are outrageous. The health services provider states that the videos do not fairly represent the organization and that the videos where edited to favor anti-abortion organization agenda.
Planned Parenthood also mentions that Medicaid reimbursement is provided for health services such as preventive healthcare and no reimbursement is used for abortion services. Since the implemented Hyde Amendment of 1977, this currently forbids the use of federal funds for abortions except in cases of life endangerment, rape or