Gov. Sam Brownback has announced that Kansas will prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving any funds through its Medicaid program.
In his annual State of the State address Tuesday evening, the Republican governor also encouraged the GOP-dominated Legislature to enshrine his directive into law.
Brownback used his speech to outline a broad legislative agenda on issues such as taxes, health care and education. He announced his action against Planned Parenthood near the end.
The governor is a strong abortion opponent. He signed a law in 2011 to prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving federal family planning dollars through the state health department.
The governor said Tuesday that he directed the health department’s secretary to see that no taxpayer money goes to Planned Parenthood through Medicaid, which provides health coverage for the needy.
