Statement from Planned Parenthood Texas Affiliates and PPFA Following Oral Arguments in Baseless Medicaid False Claims Act Case

Amarillo, TX – Today, Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk held oral arguments on the parties’ motions for summary judgment in United States ex. rel. Doe v. Planned Parenthood, a baseless lawsuit against Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the three Texas Planned Parenthood affiliates. The state of Texas and an anonymous plaintiff are suing Planned Parenthood for more than $1.8 billion, falsely alleging that the affiliates defrauded the state's Medicaid system by getting reimbursed for birth control, cancer screenings, and other basic health care services they legally provided. 

As the facts of the case and today’s oral arguments made clear, Planned Parenthood did not commit Medicaid fraud. Planned Parenthood did nothing wrong and absolutely followed the law. This is a politically motivated attack on Planned Parenthood and the vital services that Planned Parenthood health centers provide, such as birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and other essential care.

Statement from Susan Manning, General Counsel, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Today’s arguments made it clear that this is a baseless case that should go no further. Planned Parenthood organizations are nonprofits that follow the law and provide essential, life-saving health care to their patients. The plaintiffs’ only goal in this case is to achieve their decades-long goal of shutting down Planned Parenthood to advance a political agenda. We will never back down, and we hope the courts follow the facts and the law and issue a judgment in our favor.”

Joint Statement from CEOs of Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, and Planned Parenthood South Texas:

“Today, we reiterated that we did not commit Medicaid fraud. It is critical that we not lose sight of who will be harmed if Planned Parenthood is ordered to pay the outrageous penalties that Texas and the anonymous plaintiff demand in this sham lawsuit: our communities and our patients, especially people with low incomes. More than 100,000 Texans rely on our health centers every year for high-quality, basic health care like lifesaving cancer screenings, birth control, and STI testing and treatment. Planned Parenthood health centers are essential, irreplaceable providers of affordable care in Texas, a state that already suffers from a provider shortage and some of the worst health outcomes in the entire nation. Our patients deserve better than these baseless political attacks.” 

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S