State, Department of Health & Social Services v. Planned Parenthood of Alaska, Inc.

OPINION

FABE, Chief Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

Alaska's Medicaid program funds virtually all necessary medical services for poor Alaskans-'"regardless of race, age, national origin, or economic standing" 1 -but it denies funding for medically necessary abortions. Alone among Medicaid-eligible Alaskans, women whose health is endangered by pregnancy are denied health care based solely on political disapproval of the medically necessary procedure. This selective denial of medical benefits violates Alaska's constitutional guarantee of equal protection. Our conclusion is supported by the majority of…