State launches Women's Health Program

AUSTIN (KXAN) - In defiance of the Obama Administration, Gov. Rick Perry is launching a state-funded, new Texas Women's Health Program.

It will provide health screenings and other services to some 100,000 low-income women but will not provide funding to abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood.

The White House had indicated that federal support for the health program will be dropped Dec. 31.

While touring the Lone Star Circle of Care at Lake Aire Medical Center , the governor stated, "In response I promised the women of Texas they would continue to have access to this important health care, whether funded by the federal government or the state."

Perry added, "This is a program that not only meets the needs of Texas women, it also respects life and honors the will of Texas voters, ensuring no taxpayer money goes to abortion providers and their affiliates."

First implemented in 2007, the Women's Health Program is a Medicaid waiver program that provides preventive care including screenings for breast cancer and cervical cancer, diabetes and hypertension, among other services.

State leaders will administer the program and set criteria for who is considered a qualified provider.