Backing Indiana to Stop Funding Planned Parenthood

By 

Jay Sekulow

|
June 24, 2011

2 min read

Pro Life

A

A

It's a pro-life law that is getting a lot of attention - and a law under attack by Planned Parenthood and the ACLU.

I'm talking about a new law in the state of Indiana that prohibits the distribution of federal funds it receives to organizations like Planned Parenthood that perform abortions.

I applaud Indiana's approach to taking action to stop the flow of federal taxpayer funds to the nation's largest abortion provider. With Planned Parenthood already receiving more than $350 million dollars a year in federal taxpayer funds, Indiana is sending a powerful message to Washington - it's time to put a halt to sending federal funds to Planned Parenthood.

The new law already cleared one legal hurdle last month when a federal judge refused to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) blocking the law. 

There's a hearing in federal court today on Planned Parenthood's request for a temporary injunction to block the law.

We're preparing an amicus brief, representing thousands of Americans, in support of the Indiana law and backing Indiana's constitutional authority to ensure that no federal funds are used for abortion.

All of this began last month when Planned Parenthood, with the assistance of the ACLU, filed a federal lawsuit challenging the measure after Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed it into law last month. And, now, the Obama Administration announced it is urging Indiana to scrap the new law, claiming it violates a federal statute. 

It's no surprise that Planned Parenthood has mounted a legal challenge. After all, the nation's largest abortion provider certainly doesn't want to lose millions in federal taxpayer dollars - funds that enable Planned Parenthood to free-up other money to pay for abortions.  It's also no surprise that the Obama Administration would defend a pro-abortion organization.

I have directed a legal team to prepare a friend-of-the-court brief in this case to be filed on Indiana's behalf supporting this pro-life law.  We are planning to represent thousands of Americans - those who want to take a stand for life - those who want to see federal funds to Planned Parenthood stopped. 

We've formed the  Committee to Defund Planned Parenthood's Abortions at the State Level where you can add your name backing the new Indiana law.  Add your name here.

We will keep you posted as this develops.