ACLJ to File Amicus Brief Backing Indiana Law Cutting Federal Funds to Planned Parenthood

June 6, 2011

(Washington, DC) – The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which focuses on constitutional law, said today it plans to file an amicus brief, representing thousands of Americans, backing a new Indiana law that prohibits the distribution of federal funds it receives to organizations like Planned Parenthood that perform abortions.

"We applaud Indiana's approach to taking action to stop the flow of federal taxpayer funds to the nation's largest abortion provider," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ.  "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.  As this issue winds its way through the federal court system, we're preparing to file an amicus brief on Indiana's behalf in support of this law and its constitutional authority to ensure that no federal funds are used for abortion."

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. The Obama Administration announced it is urging Indiana to scrap the new law, claiming it violates a federal statute.  A federal district judge last month denied a request from Planned Parenthood for a TRO to halt the implementation of the law.  A hearing is taking place today in federal court as Planned Parenthood seeks a preliminary injunction to block the law.

"It's no surprise that Planned Parenthood has mounted a legal challenge," Sekulow added. "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."

The ACLJ is preparing an amicus brief backing Indiana's new law. The ACLJ plans to represent thousands of Americans who are signing on to the ACLJ Committee to Defund Planned Parenthood's Abortions at the State Level.

Under the direction of Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the ACLJ is based in Washington, D.C.