Judge grants preliminary injunction as case continues
By Tom Wilemon
| The Tennessean
U.S. District Judge William Haynes granted a preliminary injunction Thursday to halt the state’s decision to stop funding Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee.
The organization had used the state money to test for sexually transmitted diseases and to run infection prevention programs. Haynes issued the order after hearing oral arguments in Memphis federal court.
“This ruling is a victory for the thousands...who rely on Planned Parenthood for HIV and STD testing and prevention counseling,” said Jeff Teague, president of Planned Parenthood.
The organization accused the state of defunding its STD programs because of political motivations related to the fact that Planned Parenthood also provides abortions.
State officials could not be reached Thursday for comment.
