Sam Brownback’s disgusting attacks against Planned Parenthood and women’s health

Gov. Sam Brownback’s disdain for the health of low-income women is on full display these days for Kansans to view with disgust.

In yet another reminder of why he’s the most unpopular governor in America, Brownback has continued his assault in recent months against Planned Parenthood in the Sunflower State.

Fortunately, the judicial branch is pushing back, using the rule of law to at least for now halt Brownback’s bid to eliminate Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood. The positive ruling came from U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson.

As a result, women who have low incomes and qualify for Medicaid will continue to receive health coverage funded by that program and provided by Planned Parenthood’s professionals in Kansas.

Planned Parenthood Great Plains President and CEO Laura McQuade made an excellent point in a statement, saying Brownback is “touting baseless accusations and wasting taxpayer dollars on frivolous lawsuits.”

Even as the ink was drying on the judicial order, however, Brownback’s spokeswoman shamelessly claimed he would continue pushing forward with more costly attempts to try to punish Planned Parenthood — and the patients it serves.

This is yet another example of how elections have consequences. Re-elected narrowly in 2014, Brownback has practically bankrupted Kansas with his irresponsible income tax cuts. He also has the power to tell the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to keep up its abuse of Planned Parenthood.

Critics of Planned Parenthood — in Kansas, Missouri and elsewhere — often justify their battles to deprive it of any public financial support by claiming some of its officials have illegally sold fetal tissues.

That charge has been investigated at the behest of Republican officials in many states, including Kansas and Missouri. And in both states, as well as around the nation, the accusation has been debunked. In fact, the makers of a widely circulated video on the subject have been indicted themselves.

The barrage against Planned Parenthood will persist because many elected officials think abortions ought to be illegal. But as the U.S. Supreme Court again ruled last month, that’s not the case.

The fact that Planned Parenthood uses the great majority of its funds to help women have access to better health care unfortunately is ignored by hardhearted politicians like Brownback.

He and others should be ashamed of their behavior and for wasting public dollars on politically motivated attacks against the organization.

This story was originally published July 6, 2016 at 4:14 PM with the headline "Sam Brownback’s disgusting attacks against Planned Parenthood and women’s health."