Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has issued an executive order that will fully defund Planned Parenthood and any abortion business that would attempt to receive taxpayer funds.
Stitt has issued an executive order blocking Medicaid funds from entities and individuals affiliated with abortion businesses.
“Oklahoma is a pro-life state, and our policies should reflect that at every level of our government,” Stitt said in a news release. “We won’t allow tax dollars to indirectly subsidize and flow into the abortion industry under the guise of women’s health. My order makes sure every public dollar aligns with our values and supports providers who respect life at every stage.”
The executive order issued late Thursday directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) to terminate and refuse to renew any SoonerCare contracts with entities that perform, refer to or are affiliated with abortion services. SoonerCare is the state’s Medicaid program. This ensures that taxpayer dollars are not directed to abortion companies.
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Even though Oklahoma currently bans abortions and protects women and unborn children from them, Planned Parenthood centers remain open in Oklahoma – arranging for abortions in other states and setting up customers to purchase the abortion pill online or via telehealth. The continued operation of these centers raises concerns about the sanctity of unborn life and helps prompt Stitt to ensure they are not getting tax dollars.
Stitt’s order comes after the Supreme Court ruling in June in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic that greenlit the ability for states to revoke Medicaid coverage for Planned Parenthood. The 6-3 ruling reversed a lower court’s decision and made it clear that states like Oklahoma can defund Planned Parenthood.
Abegail Cave, a spokesperson for the governor, told The Oklahoman the order will not affect those who do very rare abortions in case of saving the life of the mother.
“Under Stitt’s executive order, OHCA must conduct a review and revision of provider credentialing standards to ensure participants align with Oklahoma’s pro-life public policy. SoonerCare providers will be required to sign a statement attesting whether they or anyone they’re connected to is involved in abortion-related activities,” a report states. “The executive order calls for OHCA to implement new rules and enforcement mechanisms to ensure ongoing compliance. The agency is required to begin rulemaking within 60 days of the order, fully implement revised standards within 120 days and submit a final report to the governor’s office within 150 days outlining enforcement efforts, compliance and the number of impacted providers.”
