A federal appeals court’s injunction late Wednesday night temporarily halted Utah’s effort to defund Planned Parenthood as the year comes to an end.
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court decision comes less than a week after a federal judge ruled Republican Gov. Gary Herbert had the authority to deny the health services organization and abortion provider $275,000 in state Medicaid contracts.
“We are thrilled with today’s decision, which will allow our trusted health care providers and educators to continue serving the thousands of Utahns who depend on us as the appeals process proceeds,” Karrie Galloway, CEO of the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, said in a press release.
“In the meantime, we will count on our partners at the Utah Department of Health to continue honoring the four contracts slated to end Dec. 31, 2015,” she continued.
In a statement, Herbert spokesman Jon Cox said the governor has faith in the appeals process and that it will eventually side with his administration.
“The governor is confident that once the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has the opportunity to look closely at the legal issues in this case, like Judge Waddoups, they will reach the same decision and agree that it is contrary to the public’s best interest to remove the governor’s discretion to make contract decisions on behalf of the state,” Cox said.
However, the appeals court has not yet heard arguments in the case and no hearing has been set.
Planned Parenthood sued Utah in October after the governor decided to end the contracts.
Utah is one of many states that have moved to block funding to Planned Parenthood following the release of videos showing the sale of fetal tissue. However, none of the investigations by Congress or state governments have shown Planned Parenthood has broke any laws.
In states such as Arkansas, Alabama and Louisiana, judges have ruled in favor of Planned Parenthood’s lawsuits against them challenging the stripping of contracts and blocking of federal money.
