Massachusetts gov: We’ll plug gap if Planned Parenthood funds blocked

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) says he will fill holes in his state’s Planned Parenthood budget if Congress blocks Medicaid funds from going to the organization.

“Governor Baker is a strong supporter of women’s health and believes the commonwealth has a responsibility to ensure access to the important health care services offered by Planned Parenthood in all corners of our state,” Lizzy Guyton, a spokesperson for Baker, said in a statement, as reported by Reuters.

“The administration is prepared to fund these services should the federal government pursue changes that would block care for women and families here in Massachusetts.”

{mosads}The state chapter’s budget, which totals $21.5 million, includes about $2 million from Medicaid reimbursements.

Multiple states have sought to block Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, but efforts have been blocked federal judges.

The CEO of the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts praised Baker for his efforts.

“At a time when extreme politicians in Congress want to block millions of people from accessing essential preventive care at Planned Parenthood health centers, it is reassuring to see Governor Baker put the health and wellbeing of our communities ahead of politics,” said Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak.

Baker has broken with his party on issues in the past. In January, he supported the Massachusetts attorney general’s challenge to President Trump’s original travel ban, which has since been held up by a federal judge.