The State of Texas is taking steps to defund Planned Parenthood.  Response has been muted.  In an administrative action, the State proposes an action and the target has the ability to challenge the findings and proposed remedy on appeal.  An administrative judgment can be appealed administratively and then appealed again in a District Court located in the People’s Republic of Austin.

My experience with administrative actions is that state regulatory agencies would prefer not to regulate, it upsets people, creates work for staff and is generally unpleasant.  Do not lose sight of the fact that the money is still out there.  This latest action by the State of Texas is akin to withdrawing a contract for failed performance.

If Planned Parenthood supporters were smart, they would take this opportunity to come up with a new organization to replace Planned Parenthood. This new organization, run by healthcare professionals, could actually deliver women’s healthcare services rather than empty rhetoric.