Kansas argues sovereignty in cutting clinic funds

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The state of Kansas is arguing that a Planned Parenthood chapter has no inherent right to receive federal funding for family planning services. It argues that Planned Parenthood's request for an injunction would violate the state's sovereignty and replace the state's discretion with a court's judgment.

The argument comes in a court filing Friday in preparation for an Aug. 1 hearing. Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri is seeking a preliminary injunction barring Kansas from defunding its family planning services.

The state recently cut funds that Planned Parenthood has received for 25 years. Planned Parenthood contends the new law will likely force it to close one or more health centers.

Kansas argues the other entities could provide the same services Planned Parenthood offers in Sedgwick and Ellis counties.