Jindal cuts off state Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) has canceled a contract that provides Planned Parenthood with state Medicaid funds.

{mosads}Medicaid, the joint federal and state health insurance program for the poor, represents a major source of the group’s government funding, at about 75 percent nationwide. 

In a statement, Jindal said that under his state’s contract with the pro-abortion rights organization, “either party can choose to cancel the contract at will after providing written notice.”

The state says it has given 30 days notice to Planned Parenthood, which is under fire after a series of undercover videos showing officials from the group discussing fetal tissue.

State attempts to cut off Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood have been successfully challenged in court in the past.

“In recent weeks, it has been shocking to see reports of the alleged activities taking place at Planned Parenthood facilities across the country,” Jindal, a GOP presidential candidate, said in a statement. “Planned Parenthood does not represent the values of the people of Louisiana and shows a fundamental disrespect for human life. It has become clear that this is not an organization that is worthy of receiving public assistance from the state.”

Jindal, who trails badly in polls, has sought to present himself as a strong social conservative. Taking on Planned Parenthood could help him with social conservatives in Iowa, who are a force in the state’s caucuses.

Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton on Monday slammed Republican candidates Jeb Bush and Scott Walker over their past moves against Planned Parenthood funding. Both Bush and Walker have touted their efforts against the group.