A law limiting abortion access and funds to family services agencies in Florida might be impacted from Monday's U.S. Supreme Court decision to throw out a similar law in Texas.
Planned Parenthood is challenging the part of Florida law HB1411, which prohibits it from receiving public funding, even for non-abortion services.
The provision halts Medicaid reimbursements as well as funding for family planning and other services such as breast and cervical cancer screenings, sexual transmitted disease testing and treatment, contraception and sexual health education.
The Texas law was ruled unconstitutional in a 5-3 vote.
"We conclude that neither of these provisions offers medical benefits sufficient to justify the burdens upon access that each imposes," stated Justice Stephen Breyer in court's decision.
Judy Sheklin, president of the Jacksonville branch of the National Organization for Women, hopes the ruling will influence the ongoing legal challenge in Florida.
“As I’ve traveled to college campuses here in Jacksonville,” Sheklin said, “I speak to many young women whose main means of affordable healthcare is in some of the clinics that also provide abortions.”
The Florida Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments Thursday.