Texas Says No to Federal Funding for Women’s Program

AUSTIN — Texas officials have decided to phase out federal funding for the women’s health program through November after Washington said it was illegal to ban the participation of Planned Parenthood.

Gov. Rick Perry has ordered Texas to cover the lost federal funding. The plan released Tuesday says the state will help the women find new providers and recruit more clinics to participate.

The Women’s Health Program provides routine exams, contraception and preventive health services to low-income women. Until this year, federal funds covered 90 percent of the cost. But federal officials said they would cut funding after Texas lawmakers insisted groups affiliated with abortion providers be banned from taking part.

The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services said federal law gives women the right to choose their health care providers.