Anti-abortion Activist's Campaign Against Planned Parenthood

An anonymous whistleblower, supported by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, has filed a lawsuit against the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates, alleging they defrauded Texas and Louisiana Medicaid programs by collecting $17 million for services while contesting their removal as approved providers. The suit, which cites violations of the False Claims Act, seeks $1.8 billion in penalties. The whistleblower's investigation, conducted between 2013 and 2015, aimed to assess the legality and ethics of Planned Parenthood's fetal tissue procurement practices. The lawsuit has drawn attention to the significant services provided by Planned Parenthood, including over 86,000 STI tests and nearly 7,000 cancer screenings from July 2022 to June 2023. CEO Melaney Linton emphasized that these essential services are at risk due to what she describes as a politically motivated lawsuit. Despite the allegations, Louisiana has not removed Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program, and the organization maintains that it billed for lawfully provided services during its participation in the Texas Medicaid program. Legal connections between the whistleblower and anti-abortion groups have surfaced, with Leo, who has ties to Paxton, serving as legal counsel for the Center for Medical Progress. The lawsuit's implications extend beyond financial penalties, as it raises questions about the future of reproductive health services in the states involved. The case follows a broader trend of anti-abortion victories, particularly after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.