Planned Parenthood's Medicaid Provider Contract Terminated
Gov. Jindal Says Organization Not Worthy of Receiving State Assistance
NEW ORLEANS - The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals today exercised its right to terminate Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast's Medicaid Provider contract, providing written 30-day notice as required by the contract and relevant Louisiana law that says either party can choose to cancel the contract at will after providing written notice.
In recent weeks, multiple videos have surfaced showing Planned Parenthood Federation of America senior personnel and other employees describing how they actively engage in illegal partial birth abortion procedures and conduct these abortions in a manner that leaves body parts intact so that they can later be sold on the open market. Since these videos have surfaced, Gov.Bobby Jindal has directed DHH to investigate Planned Parenthood's activities in Louisiana and also sent a letter to both the Louisiana Inspector General and the F.B.I. asking them to assist in the investigation.
In announcing today's decision, Gov. Bobby Jindal said Planned Parenthood does not represent the values of the State of Louisiana in regards to respecting human life.
Gov. Jindal said, "In recent weeks, it has been shocking to see reports of the alleged activities taking place at Planned Parenthood facilities across the country. Planned Parenthood does not represent the values of the people of Louisiana and shows a fundamental disrespect for human life. It has become clear that this is not an organization that is worthy of receiving public assistance from the state."
(To view the state's press release, click here.)
Benjamin Clapper, executive director of Louisiana Right to Life, released the following statement regarding today's development:
"Louisiana Right to Life commends Gov. Bobby Jindal for terminating the state's Medicaid provider agreement with Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast. PPGC is a big abortion business that our tax dollars should not be subsidizing. In 2012 Planned Parenthood affiliates sold 327,166 abortions, and PPGC plans to sell more at a regional abortion center that is building on Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans.
"In legislative testimony, former PPGC employee Abby Johnson exposed that Planned Parenthood imposes abortion quotas on its employees. The videos showing the harvesting and haggling over prices of unborn children's body parts is simply another confirmation that Planned Parenthood is a big business that commodifies human life. Women's health services are available at the many public and non-profit heath units that understand that abortion is not healthcare."
