Texas Strips Houston-Area Planned Parenthood of HIV Funding

For nearly 30 years, the federal government has given Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast $600,000 for HIV testing and counseling, condom distribution, and referral services to connect HIV+ visitors to specialized care. 

December 31, 2015 will mark the last day.

The State of Texas has refused to renew the contract between the Greater Houston area’s Planned Parenthood and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stating in a letter to the health care provider: “There will be no further renewals of this contract.”

No further explanation was provided.

This is the second blow to Planned Parenthood delivered by the Lone Star State in under two months. This October, state officials announced their intention to block all $3 million in Medicaid reimbursements the organization receives annually. Though the move isn’t legal by federal standards, some 13,500 patients who use the state’s Planned Parenthood facilities for cancer screenings, HIV tests, contraceptives, and other preventative services will find themselves caught in the legal crosshairs.