Dozens of states and members of Congress have shown their support for Oklahoma in its fight to restore federal family planning funds. The funding was cut by the Trump administration in 2019 due to the state’s restriction on Planned Parenthood. Oklahoma had been receiving around $8 million annually for programs that provide services like birth control, cancer screenings, and STD testing. The state argued that the funding cut was politically motivated and had a detrimental impact on low-income individuals who relied on these services.
In response to the funding cut, Oklahoma filed a lawsuit against the federal government in 2020. The state was able to secure a temporary injunction that allowed them to continue receiving the funds while the case proceeded. Now, with the change in administration, there is renewed hope that the funding will be restored. Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter has expressed optimism that the Biden administration will be more supportive of their efforts to reinstate the funding.
Support for Oklahoma’s cause has been widespread, with 15 states and 36 members of Congress submitting amicus briefs in support of the state’s lawsuit. They argue that the funding cut not only harmed Oklahoma residents but also set a dangerous precedent for other states that may face similar restrictions in the future. The briefs highlight the importance of federal family planning funds in providing essential healthcare services to those in need and stress the need for these funds to be distributed fairly and without political bias.
Overall, the support from states and Congress members demonstrates the widespread concern over the impact of the funding cut and the importance of ensuring access to essential healthcare services for all individuals. The outcome of Oklahoma’s lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the future of federal family planning funding.
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