The Latest: Planned Parenthood blasts federal ruling

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Latest on a federal court ruling approving an Ohio anti-abortion law on funding (all times local):

3:25 p.m.

Leaders of Planned Parenthood are voicing outrage against a federal appeals court ruling upholding an Ohio anti-abortion law that blocks public money for the organization.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling Tuesday reverses a lower court ruling that granted an injunction against the 2016 law which bars public funding from entities that perform or promote abortions .

Planned Parenthood says the funding has helped provide tests for sexually transmitted diseases, cancer screenings, domestic violence education, and efforts to reduce infant mortality.

The national organization’s president says the ruling will roll back public health gains. Dr. Leana Wen pledges Planned Parenthood will continue fighting for its patients.

Planned Parenthood didn’t say immediately whether it will seek to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

12:16 p.m.

A divided federal appeals court has upheld an Ohio anti-abortion law that blocks public money for Planned Parenthood.

The Tuesday ruling by the full 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling and could result in an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Ohio law targeted funding that Planned Parenthood receives through the state’s health department. That money is mostly from the federal government and supports education and prevention programs.

The law bars such funds from entities that perform or promote abortions.

Phone and email messages were left with Planned Parenthood seeking comment.

A three-judge panel of the court had agreed with the lower-court ruling, prompting then-Attorney General Mike DeWine last year to seek a full-court hearing. The Republican took office this year as governor.