Judge blocks Alabama from ending Planned Parenthood funding

U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson on Wednesday blocked Alabama's effort to cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, directing the state to restore funding to to organization.

Planned Parenthood Southeast took Alabama to federal court, arguing the state didn't have a legal reason to end Medicaid provider agreements with the groups two clinics in the state.

The ruling was the latest victory for Planned Parenthood in recent clashes with Republicans over funding.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said in August that he was terminating Medicaid agreements with the clinics. He cited hidden camera footage shot by anti-abortion activists that implied some clinics were selling fetal tissue to researchers.

Susan Watson, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, called the decision a victory for women.

The Associated Press