NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Latest on Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit alleging that Louisiana officials are violating federal law by delaying action on the health organization’s application for a license to perform abortions in New Orleans (all times local):
2 p.m.
Louisiana officials have told a federal appeals court in New Orleans that a lawsuit against the state by Planned Parenthood should be dismissed.
The women’s health organization says the state has violated federal law by delaying its application for a license to perform abortions in Louisiana. The application was filed in September 2016.
A federal judge in Baton Rouge refused a state motion to dismiss the suit.
On Wednesday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments.
The lawsuit accuses the health department under of using “sham” investigations to delay the license.
State attorneys say there are legitimate state and federal investigations of Planned Parenthood that warrant consideration. And they say the lawsuit asks federal judges to improperly decide a state issue.
It’s unclear when the appeals court will rule.
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8 a.m.
A fight over abortion access in New Orleans is going before a federal appeals court.
Louisiana officials are seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit by Planned Parenthood. The women’s health organization has been seeking a license to perform abortions at a new facility in New Orleans since September of 2016. Planned Parenthood affiliates filed a lawsuit last February accusing the state of illegally delaying the granting of a license.
A federal judge in Baton Rouge turned down the state’s motion to dismiss that lawsuit.
On Wednesday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals hears arguments as the state continues efforts to have the case dismissed.
The lawsuit accuses the health department under Gov. John Bel Edwards - an anti-abortion Democrat - of using “sham” investigations to delay the license.
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