Court Protects Access to Care at Planned Parenthood in Utah

8th dangerous law blocked in 15 days

Court Rules that Utah Governor Herbert used deceptive anti-abortion videos for political gain, even though Herbert conceded “that the allegations made by CMP are unproven and in fact false.”

Denver, CO – Today, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals protected access to health care and education for thousands of patients who depend on Planned Parenthood Association of Utah for preventive health care and education programs. This follows a string of recent victories in the two weeks, with courts blocking 8 laws targeting access to reproductive health care since the landmark ruling from the Supreme Court on June 27th, including in Kansas, Florida, Indiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Texas.

The Tenth Circuit’s ruling lays bare the state's’ political motivations behind this action, stating: “Herbert, a politician and admitted opponent of abortion, viewed the situation that presented itself by release of the CMP videos as an opportunity to take public action against PPAU....This seems especially true given Herbert’s concession that the allegations made by CMP are unproven and in fact false.”One year ago, a group of extreme anti-abortion activists released a series of illegally made and manipulative deceptively edited videos that lied about Planned Parenthood’s services, in an attempt to eliminate access to abortion in the United States, and to and prevent Planned Parenthood health centers from providing health care and sex education to millions of people each year.  

Statement from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“You cannot hide behind lies in order to harm women. That’s why these attacks on women’s access to reproductive health care continue to fall one by one. This decision should send a strong message to politicians across country who are trying to strip people of their basic access to health care. Courts in Florida, Kansas and, now, Utah are standing with women, men and young people by affirming their right to access health care and education from a provider they trust. We will not stop fighting until every person has access to the health care they need and deserve, and until the law guarantees it. ”

One year later, public support for Planned Parenthood is stronger than ever -- with a recent NBC/Wall Street Journal poll showing that support for Planned Parenthood, already high, has actually increased in the wake of the attacks.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With over 650 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.