LOUISVILLE — The Kentucky Court of Appeals ruled Friday that a lawsuit by GOP Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin claiming Planned Parenthood had illegally performed abortions was wrongfully dismissed, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.
The lawsuit alleges Planned Parenthood had performed abortions without a license, the newspaper reported. The healthcare provider had been told by the state’s Health and Family Services under Democratic Gov. Steve Bershear that the licensing was complete and they had fulfilled requirements. But the actual license hadn’t been issued when Bevin took office.
From the Courier-Journal:
While the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services “may have a difficult time proving its allegations we believe said allegations are sufficient to state a claim upon which relief can be granted,” a three-judge panel ruled.
“We applaud today’s Court of Appeals ruling allowing this important case to proceed,” said Steve Pitt, Gov. Matt Bevin’s general counsel, in a written statement. He accused Planned Parenthood of having a “disregard for both the safety of women and the rule of law” and “Planned Parenthood must be held accountable.”
Planned Parenthood did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Courier Journal reported in July 2016 that in dismissing the lawsuit filed by Pitt, Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Mitch Perry found that the reproductive health organization had — as it had claimed — been following directions of state officials when it began offering abortions in December as part of its effort to obtain a state license.
