If there ever was an embodiment of ‘everything’s bigger in Texas’, it’s the state’s latest aggressive move against Planned Parenthood. The situation? Texas is suing Planned Parenthood for a staggering $1.8 billion – over a relatively meager $17 million in Medicaid payments. The repercussions? Potential bankruptcy for the three Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas. The audacity? Off the charts.
This case will be heard under the scrutinizing eyes of Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a notable far-right advocate, and the same person who played a major role in obstructing access to the abortion drug, mifepristone.
Let’s get this straight. Texas, after years of trying to kick Planned Parenthood out of its Medicaid program, is now demanding not just the return of the $17 million in Medicaid payments (which, mind you, Planned Parenthood had rightfully received) but also additional fees for every so-called “false” claim, accrued interest, and attorney fees. Essentially, they’re trying to pull every trick in the book.
Alexis McGill Johnson, the president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, rightly called out the political motivations behind this move. It’s not just about the money; it’s an attempt to jeopardize sexual and reproductive healthcare for countless individuals.
Historically, Texas has never hidden its intentions of wanting to dismantle Planned Parenthood’s presence in the state. Their tactics? First, they tried removing the organization from the Women’s Health Program – a vital source for low-income women seeking contraception. When that backfired, they hopped on the controversy train, rallying behind a now-debunked video by the Center for Medical Progress that falsely accused Planned Parenthood of selling fetal tissue.
Fast forward to now, and the case, Doe v. Planned Parenthood, promises more political drama. Filed in Amarillo, Texas, the choice of venue seems tactical – ensuring it lands on the desk of Judge Kacsmaryk. Known for his hard-right views and a knack for dismissing evidence in favor of personal beliefs, Kacsmaryk recently shocked the nation by revoking approval for the abortion drug, mifepristone.
Legal experts, like Vox’s Ian Millhiser, have repeatedly called out the flawed logic behind this assault on Planned Parenthood. Yet, with Kacsmaryk at the helm, the outcome seems dangerously unpredictable.
It’s evident that Texas’s endgame goes beyond mere Medicaid payments. It’s about control, ideology, and a refusal to respect women’s rights to their own bodies. As the drama unfolds, all eyes are on the Lone Star state and its seemingly relentless war on reproductive rights.
