Medical Group Sues Planned Parenthood

A statewide medical group specializing in family planning and abortions has sued Planned Parenthood Inc.’s operations in Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties, claiming the nonprofit organization is competing illegally as a for-profit clinic. The suit by Long Beach-based Family Planning Associates Medical Group Inc. alleges that Planned Parenthood is violating state regulations and its own charter as a charitable organization by providing for-fee medical services to the general public. Neither Planned Parenthood nor Family Planning Associates could be reached for comment Friday. At the root of the dispute, according to papers filed in the Orange County Superior Court suit this week, is a decision by Southern California Permanente Medical Group to begin referring patients to Planned Parenthood clinics in the three counties under a contract with the organization. Previously, the suit says, Southern California Permanente contracted with Family Planning Associates for the same services. The suit seeks unspecified damages for alleged unfair competition, unfair business practices and interference with its contract.