Longview, TX — Planned Parenthood organizations, including the ones serving Tyler and Lufkin, sued the state on Wednesday over a new law that excludes the groups from participating in a program that provides contraception and checkups for women.

The law would affect health services for thousands of East Texas women, according to a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood.

The eight Planned Parenthood groups contend the law, passed by Republican lawmakers and signed by Gov. Rick Perry, is intended to silence individuals or groups who support abortion rights.

Rochelle Tafolla said the Planned Parenthood clinic in Lufkin served about 5,000 women this past year, while the Tyler clinic served about 2,500. Many of those women may live in nearby counties, she said, since women can receive service at any Planned Parenthood.

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