Alabama became the third state to cut funding to Planned Parenthood following similar action taken by Louisiana and New Hampshire in the wake of undercover videos released by anti-abortion activists allegedly showing the organisation's illegal sale of foetal tissues to medical researchers.
"The deplorable practices at Planned Parenthood have been exposed to Americans, and I have decided to stop any association with the organisation in Alabama," Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said in a statement, according to Fox News. "As a doctor and Alabama's governor, the issue of human life, from conception to birth and beyond, is extremely important. I respect human life and do not want Alabama to be associated with an organisation that does not."
Bentley sent a letter to Planned Parenthood Southeast about the state cutting its Medicaid funding for the reproductive health services provider.
He said the Alabama Medicaid Agency "is exercising its ability to terminate the existing agreement(s) with Planned Parenthood Southeast Inc." with 15 days written notice. Planned Parenthood may ask for a fair hearing.
Staci Fox, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast, said "we are disappointed that Governor Bentley has been distracted by a deceptive attack against our organisation instead of staying focused on what really matters to women in Alabama. What Alabamians need is more access to health care, not less."
Fox said through Planned Parenthood, low-income, uninsured women and families are able to access high-quality affordable healthcare through the safety net provided by Medicaid funding including cancer screenings, birth control and STD testing and treatment.
The anti-abortion group Center for Medical Progress has been releasing a series of videos showing its representatives interviewing Planned Parenthood officials on the organisation's activities. Planned Parenthood denied the group's allegations that it was selling foetal parts.
Earlier this week, Louisiana Governor and Republican presidential bet Bobby Jindal also terminated the state's Medicaid contract with Planned Parenthood and asked for an investigation in the organisation's practices in the state.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals informed Planned Parenthood that it is terminating Planned Parenthood's Medicaid provider agreement.
Jindal has asked the state health department to investigate Planned Parenthood with the assistance of the Louisiana Inspector General and the FBI.
He said Planned Parenthood does not represent the values of Louisiana about respecting human life.
"In recent weeks, it has been shocking to see reports of the alleged activities taking place at Planned Parenthood facilities across the country. It has become clear that this is not an organisation that is worthy of receiving public assistance from the state," Jindal said.
New Hampshire was the first state to end its contracts with Planned Parenthood after its Republican-led Executive Council denied $639,000 in state funding to the organisation early this month.
