Not one abortion by PP in Louisiana - ever, but LA Repubs want to defund it anyway

[shira]

Just in case you had any doubts that Republicans had any integrity at all when it comes to women's health, just consider the saga of Planned Parenthood in Louisiana. PP's two LA clinics there have never offered abortion services in PP's entire 30 year history there. So you'd think that LA Republicans wouldn't have any issues at all with PP. Think again.

Need a breast exam? Call your dentist.

What about an HIV test or pap smear? Find your friendly ophthalmologist.

Looking for a birth-control refill? No problem. Visit your local nursing home.

These were Louisiana’s utterly unhelpful, sublimely ridiculous recommendations for where to send the 5,200 low-income patients who will lose access to reproductive health services if the state cuts off Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, as Gov. (and flagging Republican presidential candidate) Bobby Jindal wants.

Jindal announced the change after some shocking (but possibly misleadingly edited) undercover videos about aborted fetal tissue donations went viral. Of course, under federal law, Medicaid funds already cannot be used for abortion , except under rare and exigent circumstances. More to the point, the two health centers that Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast currently operates in Louisiana — in New Orleans and Baton Rouge — have never provided abortion services in their 30-plus years of existence, according to a spokeswoman. So defunding them would not reduce the number of abortions.

If anything, the much-vilified organization probably depresses abortion demand because it provides patients with birth control. That’s not to mention the other critical services it provides, given that Louisiana has the highest rates of syphilis and gonorrhea among all states and the second-highest rate of chlamydia . It’s also fifth in HIV prevalence, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates it has the highest share of HIV victims who don’t know they’ve been infected.

But, hey, who gives a hoot about public health? Vilifying Planned Parenthood is an easy way to rally the conservative base, which Jindal desperately needs to do, given that among Republican primary voters he’s polling at zero percent (yes, zero) in New Hampshire.

So, Louisiana announced an end to Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid contract with the state, acknowledging in court that the action wasn’t due to concerns about “the competency of its two facilities to provide Medicaid services and adequate care for the patients that they serve.” It just doesn’t want to do business with Planned Parenthood anymore. Other states have enacted similar policies, which have been struck down by federal courts because telling patients they cannot go to the qualified and willing Medicaid provider of their choice violates federal Medicaid law.

Citing such precedents, Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast and three anonymous patients sued to block Jindal’s decision. The plaintiffs also argued the decision would inflict “irreparable harm” to its 5,200 Medicaid patients, who have nowhere else to go for care.

In response, the state submitted a list of 2,010 other providers these patients could patronize. Except this was not actually a list of family-planning practitioners; it was a list of all Medicaid-enrolled providers — including audiologists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, nursing homes and, yes, dentists. (As a cheeky Mother Jones writer observed: “They know ‘vagina dentata’ is a myth, right?&#8221

After a judge questioned the relevance of that list, the state narrowed its offerings to 29 providers. But there’s no evidence these 29 can absorb the thousands of patients who would be displaced, given that Planned Parenthood serves an estimated 30 percent of the female contraceptive clients who use publicly funded clinics in New Orleans, and 60 percent of those in Baton Rouge.

Some providers on that pared-down list don’t even prescribe birth control; one has a two-month wait for new patients (which, if you have a time-sensitive need like a Depo-Provera shot or just had a positive cancer screening, is unacceptably long). Some aren’t even taking new patients.

On Friday, the state changed its tack and said it was terminating its relationship with Planned Parenthood for cause. Planned Parenthood expects to continue fighting these efforts, as well as similar ones in Arkansas and Alabama.

Three takeaways:

One, Republicans officials apparently don’t care enough about women’s health to make the effort to really understand it, since some seem to think women get pap smears from their dentists. Perhaps we can chalk that up to the same terrible American sex-ed curricula that produced “legitimate rape” and other mind-bogglingly idiotic comments about how women’s bodies work.

Two, this is a preview of what might happen if congressional Republicans succeed in their attempt to hold the federal budget hostage unless Planned Parenthood is defunded nationwide. There might be a lot of confused patients looking for birth control and, sadly, not finding any at the local nursing home.

And three, it’s probably also an indication of how well thought-through Republicans’ plans to dismantle other major health-care programs are. If this is what repealing-and-replacing Obamacare would look like, be very afraid.

In summary: Who gives a fuck about actual women's health? Who cares if 5,000 poor Louisiana women lose their access to reproductive health care? What much more important is pretending that Medicaid funding of Planned Parenthood has something to do with abortion (even though PP doesn't actually provide abortions at all in LA), to stir up the right-wing base to show that I, Bobby Jindahl, am a genuine fire-breathing conservative.

 

[ivwshane]

Does this count as a "war on" women? Or is the "war on" phrase only used for non existent wars like the "war on Christmas", the "war on Christians", the "war on coal", etc, etc.

But hey, what could the possible consequences be? Oh they are already dealing with those policies.

 

[Jaskalas]

Republican operatives going after Democrat operatives.
Who'da'thunk!

 

[ivwshane]

Republican operatives going after Democrat operatives.
Who'da'thunk!

Gotta protect that bubble! God forbid reality shows you the truth.

 

[michal1980]

Is PP some sort of government extension that we are mandated to fund?

 

[Newell Steamer]

Great - where the hell am I going to buy my bag of aborted fetuses from when I visit the Big Easy?

 

[boomerang]

Virtually every service offered by PP is covered by Obamacare. Which by the way in case anyone forgot, health care coverage in one form or another is required by law.

I see no reason for taxpayer funding for PP when it could essentially amount to double-dipping on the part of PP. Obamacare was touted in part as a means for affordable health care that would reduce the cost of health care. Let's embrace that, let PP get it's funding through Obamacare reimbursements or through private donations and use the money saved to build or repair some bridges.

There is no need for taxpayer funding of PP with the adoption of Obamacare.

 

[kage69]

They want women to go to the ophthalmologist for a pap smear?

Yep, that sounds like typical Louisiana fail to me. Doesn't surprise me in the least. Can't have women getting "special" treatment and services, hell no! Baby jesus would have a shit fit.

Next up: addressing the socialist/feminist agenda of having good christian men come into contact with tampons and maxipads! These feminazis should be using readily available wads of paper towel, because religious liberty god damn it.

 

[shira]

Virtually every service offered by PP is covered by Obamacare. Which by the way in case anyone forgot, health care coverage in one form or another is required by law.

I see no reason for taxpayer funding for PP when it could essentially amount to double-dipping on the part of PP. Obamacare was touted in part as a means for affordable health care that would reduce the cost of health care. Let's embrace that, let PP get it's funding through Obamacare reimbursements or through private donations and use the money saved to build or repair some bridges.

There is no need for taxpayer funding of PP with the adoption of Obamacare.

There's no "taxpayer funding" of PP in Louisiana as a Medicaid provider. They are just one of over 2000 Medicaid providers in the state. 100% of the services they provide are non-abortion-related. There's exactly one reason why Louisiana is attempting to get them off the state Medicaid-provider roles: politics. This despite the fact that doing so will hurt poor women.

 

[michal1980]

There's no "taxpayer funding" of PP in Louisiana as a Medicaid provider. They are just one of over 2000 Medicaid providers in the state. 100% of the services they provide are non-abortion-related. There's exactly one reason why Louisiana is attempting to get them off the state Medicaid-provider roles: politics. This despite the fact that doing so will hurt poor women.

So PP is a government agency now? Is there some sort of mandate they need to be funded?

 

[shira]

So PP is a government agency now? Is there some sort of mandate they need to be funded?

PP is like any other health care provider that accepts Medicaid patients. How does that make them a "government agency?" As such, the state of Louisiana is required by federal law to pay a Medicaid provider for services rendered to a Medicaid patient.

You are retarded.

 

[shira]

The responses by ATPN righties are so retarded in this thread, maybe I need to provide an example that makes it clear why Louisiana is so out of line.

Suppose a blue state, say California, created a list of the state's Medicaid providers that indicated the political leaning of each provider. Then California decided that it would kick off the state's Medicaid-provider rolls any Medicaid provider who was rated as "far right," regardless of their medical competency or the impact that would have on patients.

If you think that such behavior by California would be highly illegal, then you know why Louisiana's actions are illegal.

 

[thraashman]

The responses by ATPN righties are so retarded in this thread, maybe I need to provide an example that makes it clear why Louisiana is so out of line.

Suppose a blue state, say California, created a list of the state's Medicaid providers that indicated the political leaning of each provider. Then California decided that it would kick off the state's Medicaid-provider rolls any Medicaid provider who was rated as "far right," regardless of their medical competency or the impact that would have on patients.

If you think that such behavior by California would be highly illegal, then you know why Louisiana's actions are illegal.

You're not going to appeal properly to righties by talking about healthcare designed for the poor. They tend to think that if you're too poor to afford your own healthcare then it's best for everyone if you die in the street, preferably somewhere they don't have to see you. It would be better to somehow relate it to gun ownership. Something like if a state eliminated any tax breaks or exemptions for gun retailers or something.

 

[shira]

You're not going to appeal properly to righties by talking about healthcare designed for the poor. They tend to think that if you're too poor to afford your own healthcare then it's best for everyone if you die in the street, preferably somewhere they don't have to see you. It would be better to somehow relate it to gun ownership. Something like if a state eliminated any tax breaks or exemptions for gun retailers or something.

But if they are thinking this way, then how do they justify singling out one (left-wing) Medicaid provider as opposed to just ending Medicaid in their states?

 

[Jaskalas]

The responses by ATPN righties are so retarded in this thread, maybe I need to provide an example that makes it clear why Louisiana is so out of line.

Suppose a blue state, say California, created a list of the state's Medicaid providers that indicated the political leaning of each provider. Then California decided that it would kick off the state's Medicaid-provider rolls any Medicaid provider who was rated as "far right," regardless of their medical competency or the impact that would have on patients.

If you think that such behavior by California would be highly illegal, then you know why Louisiana's actions are illegal.

You wouldn't object if it was some Christian organization that didn't serve gays. You'd want them thrown in jail, disbarred, etc. Make room for those who do "what's proper". It wouldn't be "because they are Republicans" but we all know Democrats would never be the subject of that example. Each party has its values and targeting for those values means targeting the other party for... reasons.

Well just as you have your reasons, objecting to the slaughter of children and the selling of parts is leading Red States to disown PP. There can be a long story of "reasons", but ultimately it boils down to Republicans VS Democrats.

The divide in this country is growing stronger as an ineffectual government leads to building tension.

 

[shira]

You wouldn't object if it was some Christian organization that didn't serve gays. You'd want them thrown in jail, disbarred, etc. Make room for those who do "what's proper". It wouldn't be "because they are Republicans" but we all know Democrats would never be the subject of that example. Each party has its values and targeting for those values means targeting the other party for... reasons.

Well just as you have your reasons, objecting to the slaughter of children and the selling of parts is leading Red States to disown PP. There can be a long story of "reasons", but ultimately it boils down to Republicans VS Democrats.

The divide in this country is growing stronger as an ineffectual government leads to building tension.

If ANY clinic - on the right or the left - illegally discriminated against ANYONE, and were unwilling to comply with the law in the future, they should be closed down.

You and I both know why Louisiana and other states are pushing their anti-PP agenda, and it has nothing to do with illegal acts on the part of PP, because there aren't any.

And no, it's not "Republicans VS Democrats." It's the right acting in clear violation of the law, and trying to justify it.

 

[Jhhnn]

Virtually every service offered by PP is covered by Obamacare. Which by the way in case anyone forgot, health care coverage in one form or another is required by law.

I see no reason for taxpayer funding for PP when it could essentially amount to double-dipping on the part of PP. Obamacare was touted in part as a means for affordable health care that would reduce the cost of health care. Let's embrace that, let PP get it's funding through Obamacare reimbursements or through private donations and use the money saved to build or repair some bridges.

There is no need for taxpayer funding of PP with the adoption of Obamacare.

You'd have a point if all 50 states had adopted medicaid expansion. As it is, you just have your usual well scripted partisan bullshit.

 

[Jhhnn]

You wouldn't object if it was some Christian organization that didn't serve gays. You'd want them thrown in jail, disbarred, etc. Make room for those who do "what's proper". It wouldn't be "because they are Republicans" but we all know Democrats would never be the subject of that example. Each party has its values and targeting for those values means targeting the other party for... reasons.

Well just as you have your reasons, objecting to the slaughter of children and the selling of parts is leading Red States to disown PP. There can be a long story of "reasons", but ultimately it boils down to Republicans VS Democrats.

The divide in this country is growing stronger as an ineffectual government leads to building tension.

So lame. Women have the constitutional right to abortion & gays have the same constitutional rights as everybody else.

Obviously, it's all about freedumb & inflammatory distortion on your part.

 

[Jaskalas]

If ANY clinic - on the right or the left - illegally discriminated against ANYONE, and were unwilling to comply with the law in the future, they should be closed down.

I don't know of cases where that has been applied to the "Left".

You and I both know why Louisiana and other states are pushing their anti-PP agenda, and it has nothing to do with illegal acts on the part of PP, because there aren't any.

And no, it's not "Republicans VS Democrats." It's the right acting in clear violation of the law, and trying to justify it.

The people of Louisiana aren't allowed to decide who operates in, or is funded by, their State?

 

[shira]

I don't know of cases where that has been applied to the "Left".



The people of Louisiana aren't allowed to decide who operates in, or is funded by, their State?

States are not allowed to arbitrarily exclude a clinic or any other business. They have to have a valid reason.

Ever heard of "equal protection of the laws?"

 

[Texashiker]

Just in case you had any doubts that Republicans had any integrity at all when it comes to women's health, just consider the saga of Planned Parenthood in Louisiana.

That is called cutting waste.

Why should the government fund multiple programs that offer the same service?

If a woman needs birth control services for free, go to the local health department / free clinic.

Under the affordable care act everyone should have health insurance. If you have insurance, why fund pp?

 

[Cozarkian]

This post would have benefited from a more objective source. However, assuming the facts are accurate, this is terrible. This is an abuse of power because the government is targeting legal activities based upon personal distaste. Further, principles of Federalism should protect LA planned parenthood from being punished for PP activities in other states.

 

[CitizenKain]

That is called cutting waste.

Why should the government fund multiple programs that offer the same service?

If a woman needs birth control services for free, go to the local health department / free clinic.

Under the affordable care act everyone should have health insurance. If you have insurance, why fund pp?

Because you simply aren't smart enough to understand points being made, there is no reason to explain things to you.

 

[Texashiker]

Because you simply aren't smart enough to understand points being made, there is no reason to explain things to you.

There are already multiple services being provided for women. Funding to organizations such as pp need to be cut.

 

[Cozarkian]

The people of Louisiana aren't allowed to decide who operates in, or is funded by, their State?

States should not be allowed to deny a business license because they dislike an otherwise qualified applicant. And this isn't funding, it's essentially reimbursement while skipping the middle man.

I'm fine with defunding at a national level, but this is government control over the choice of citizens.