Planned Parenthood sues state of Oklahoma over WIC funding stoppage

TULSA - Planned Parenthood responded to Oklahoma's decision to stop funding WIC programs at three women's clinics in Tulsa with a lawsuit Friday.

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland spokeswoman Shelby Cloke confirmed the suit.

WIC -- Women, Infants and Children -- provides healthy food, nutrition education and health and social service referrals for free. According to OK.gov, half of all the babies born in Oklahoma are enrolled in WIC.

WHAT IS WIC?

Oklahoma WIC services director Terry Bryce said the state's September decision came out of funding doubts, and is not politically motivated.

"We didn't renew the contracts for funding reasons," said Bryce. "We're uncertain of the funding for this coming year."

The decision could impact close to 3,000 low-income women and children.