Judge sides with Planned Parenthood in lawsuit against Utah

253

SALT LAKE CITY — A judge has blocked an order by Utah’s governor to cut off federal money from going to the state’s Planned Parenthood organization.

In this Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 file photo, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert speaks during a news conference at the Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City. Planned Parenthood of Utah sued the governor on Monday, Sept. 28, for ordering state agencies to cut off federal funding to the organization following the release of secretly recorded videos by an anti-abortion group. (Associated Press)
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert speaks during a news conference at the Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City. (Associated Press)

Judge Clark Waddoups issued a restraining order Tuesday during a hearing in federal court to allow the money to keep flowing to the group while they ask for a longer injunction on Oct. 15.

The Planned Parenthood Association of Utah sought the emergency order a day after suing Gov. Gary Herbert because some programs would expire Wednesday if the money is blocked.

Peggy Tomsic, a lawyer for Planned Parenthood in Utah, says Herbert was acting out his own personal and political agenda when he cut off funding to the organization following the release of secretly recorded videos by a California anti-abortion group.

Herbert’s office said Monday that he stood behind his order.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email