Ohio Court Protects Access to Care at Planned Parenthood

Washington, D.C. – Just now, a federal district court judge permanently blocked a sweeping Ohio law, protecting over 70,000 free STD screenings, thousands of HIV tests for at-risk communities, and the largest infant mortality prevention program in the state. Find a copy of the order here and more details on the case in this backgrounder. This follows a wave of victories for reproductive health and rights since the landmark ruling from the Supreme Court on June 27th, with courts now having blocked laws in 10 states including in Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Kansas, Indiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin.

Statement from Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America

“Today’s ruling is a win for the Ohioans who rely on us for care. Planned Parenthood will not stop fighting until every person can receive the essential health care they need. Momentum is on our side – these attacks on reproductive health care will fall one by one. We are not going back.”

Statement from Iris E. Harvey, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio

“Today’s ruling supports the rights of all Ohioans to access needed health care. This law would have been especially burdensome to communities of color and people with low income who already often have the least access to care – this law would have made a bad situation worse. Politicians have no business blocking patients from the care they need – and today the court stopped them in their tracks.”

Statement from Jerry Lawson, CEO, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio

“This victory is critically important for thousands of Ohioans across our state. The people of Ohio should not have their access to critical health care blocked because of political agendas.”

Planned Parenthood is represented in this case by WilmerHale, Cincinnati-based law firm Gerhardstein & Branch, and lawyers from Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

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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.