Indiana governor Mitch Daniels signed a measure banning funding for Planned Parenthood into law Tuesday, sparking a debate over the role of social issues in the upcoming 2012 Republican presidential campaign.
Mr. Daniels, a potential Republican presidential candidate, signed the measure in to law Tuesday — just weeks after proposing a truce on social issues.
Indiana House Bill 1210 bars the state from entering into contracts with, or granting to, any entities (other than hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers) that provide abortions, effective immediately. The measure effectively bars funding for the organization, which will likely lead to a legal challenge.
Planned Parenthood of Indiana and the ACLU of Indiana filed in federal court Tuesday for a temporary restraining order against the legislation.
The Indiana legislation comes in the wake of a bill put forth by congressional House Republicans, which attempted to block funding for the organization. House Republicans eventually eventually remove the amendment from the budget.
The bill’s signing comes as Mr. Daniels continues to consider entering the 2012 Republican presidential campaign. The Republican governor’s chances of entry increased after Mississippi Republican governor Haley Barbour announced he would not seek the nomination. Mr. Daniels had said earlier in the year that he would only enter the race if Mr. Barbour decided against running for president.
