Texas Drops Federal Funding for Women's Program

Texas lawmakers insist groups affiliated with abortions be banned

Texas officials have proposed phasing-out federal funding for the women's health program through November after Washington said it was illegal to ban Planned Parenthood from participating in it.

The Women's Health Program provides routine exams, contraception and preventive health services to low-income women.

Until this year, federal funds covered 90 percent of the cost. But federal officials said they would cut funding after Texas lawmakers insisted groups affiliated with abortion providers be banned from participating in it.

The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services said federal law gives women the right to choose their health care providers.

Gov. Rick Perry has ordered Texas to cover the lost federal funding. The plan released Tuesday says the state will help the women find new providers and recruit more clinics to participate.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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