By PAUL J. WEBER
Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A Texas judge wants to make a quick decision about whether Planned Parenthood should be allowed back into a state program that provides health services to poor women.
State District Judge Steve Yelenosky said Friday he hopes to "figure this out by the end of the day." Planned Parenthood was kicked out of the Texas Women's Health Program this month under a new state law banning providers that support abortion rights.
Patricio Gonzales is the chief executive over four Planned Parenthood clinics along the Texas-Mexico border. He testified that 3 of those clinics will close unless Planned Parenthood is allowed back into the program or other funding is secured.
State health officials say there are enough others providers to serve about 48,000 women eligible under the program.
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