Mitch Daniels,  Planned Parenthood,  President 2012

President 2012: Mitch Daniels Will Sign Indiana Legislation Cutting Planned Parenthood Funding

Not really a surprise.

Gov. Mitch Daniels says he will sign into law a tough anti-abortion measure that would block government dollars from going to Planned Parenthood.

The move means Medicaid recipients who use the agency’s clinics – including the 400 per year who use the one in Evansville – will be separated from their doctors.

But Daniels said in a statement that reproductive health care will still be readily available in the areas those clinics serve.

“I have ordered the Family and Social Services Administration to see that Medicaid recipients receive prompt notice of nearby care options. We will take any actions necessary to ensure that vital medical care is, if anything, more widely available than before,” he said.

The governor’s office said the bill will block government dollars from going to all 28 of Planned Parenthood’s clinics in Indiana, as well as six clinics operated by other agencies.

Those dollars – about $3 million per year for Planned Parenthood of Indiana – do not directly cover abortions. But proponents of the measure said no taxpayer dollars should go to agencies that offer the procedure.

“Any organization affected by this provision can resume receiving taxpayer dollars immediately by ceasing or separating its operations that perform abortions,” Daniels said.

The governor’s decision comes on the last day of this year’s legislative session. He has said that after the session, he will decide whether to enter the Republican presidential primary.

Next, Planned Parenthood will go to federal court and fight the defunding and Mitch Daniels may or may not announce he will be a candidate for the Presidency.

Stay tuned…..