The state of Alaska plans to appeal a judge’s decision that found a regulation further defining what constitutes a medically necessary abortion for purposes of Medicaid funding to be unconstitutional.
Jonathan Woodman, a senior assistant attorney general, said the appeal will argue the state can establish standards to distinguish between elective and medically necessary abortions so that Medicaid pays only for those medically necessary.
Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest sued the state over the issue.
A notice of appeal to the Alaska Supreme Court was expected to be filed today.
The high court has previously held that the state must pay for medically necessary abortions if it pays for other procedures deemed medically necessary.
