The state of Texas long ago declared war on women and on the final day of 2012 in the late afternoon Judge Gary Harger ruled that it is within the scope of Texas law to deny state funding to any doctor if they are advocates of abortion rights for women. The competency of the doctor is not measured or considered in anyway. This, in turn, allows the state of Texas the legal authority to refuse reimbursement to doctors who perform medical services through Planned Parenthood simply because they are in favor of abortion rights, and offer abortion services.
Consequences of this ruling will find 48,000 women a year, who are among the state's poorest, no longer able to receive care of any kind from Planned Parenthood. All will be forced to find new doctors who adhere to the rule of not being in favor of abortion. Health care services will be offered by the state, but it is doubted if there will be enough doctors who can meet the new abortion purity test.
The CEO of Planned Parenthood in Greater Texas, Ken Lambrecht, was outraged by the ruling and was quoted saying:
It is shocking that once again Texas officials are letting politics jeopardize health care access for women. Our doors remain open today and always to Texas women in need. We only wish Texas politicians shared this commitment to Texas women, their health, and their well-being.
Failed past potential presidential candidate, Governor Rick Perry, has publicly vowed his intention to do all things legislatively possible to stop abortion in the state of Texas. CNN.com reported Perry was pleased with the ruling:
Today's ruling finally clears the way for thousands of low-income Texas women to access much-needed care while at the same time respecting the values and laws of our state. I applaud all those who stand ready to help these women live healthy lives without sending taxpayer money to abortion providers and their affiliates.
The irony of Perry's statement is he believes that living a healthier life can be accomplished by denying health care to thousands of women. These are women who typically do not have the financial means to be selective about who they see for care. Planned Parenthood is in many cases the only feasible option available.
Lawyers for Planned Parenthood will be back in the courtroom on Jan. 11 to ask for an injunction to allow the now blacklisted doctors to continue receiving state funding. For now, thousands of vulnerable women in Texas are out in the cold.
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