AUSTIN (AP) – Planned Parenthood is asking a judge to stop Texas from banning the group from providing state-funded health services to poor women.

This is the group’s latest attempt to stop the so-called affiliate rule that bans groups that support abortion rights from participating in any state health program.

Planned Parenthood lost a bid for a temporary restraining order on Dec. 31. The state Health and Human Services Commission cut off funding to clinics that provide birth control and health exams the next day. Lawyers will ask Travis County District Judge Steve Yelenosky for a temporary injunction that would allow Planned Parenthood to continue treating 48,000 women eligible for benefits under the Women’s Health Program.

State law forbids payments for abortions. The program only helps poor women who are not pregnant.

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