Escalating Miss. abortion fight could be blueprint for similar challenges

State health inspectors inspect Mississippi's only abortion clinic -- the first step towards shutting it down-- while a judge considers whether to let the law stand. Meanwhile, anti-abortion activists hone in on other states with single abortion providers to see if they can use similar approaches to shut them down, Politico Pro reports.

The Associated Press: Miss. Abortion Clinic May Be On Way To Closing
Health officials have inspected Mississippi's lone abortion clinic, the first step in a process that could lead to its closure if a new state law survives a legal challenge. Following Monday's inspection, the Mississippi Department of Health has 10 working days to issue findings. The Jackson Women's Health Organization continues to perform abortions in the meantime (Amy, 7/17).

Politico Pro: Sole-Provider States At Heart Of Abortion Fight
Mississippi's lone abortion clinic is locked in a court battle over a state law imposing restrictions that would effectively shut it down. But that clinic, which received a preliminary injunction last week that allows it to stay open for the time being, isn't alone. Anti-abortion activists are honing in on other states that have a single surgical abortion provider. They want to shut those providers down or drive them out of business -- without having to win any constitutional battles (Smith, 7/18).

And Planned Parenthood is suing Arizona for inclusion in the Medicaid program there--

The Hill: Planned Parenthood Sues Arizona In Latest Funding Fight Over Abortion
Planned Parenthood is suing Arizona over a new state law barring the group from contracting with Medicaid because it provides abortions. The law, championed by social conservatives, goes into effect on Aug. 2. Planned Parenthood says it will deprive thousands of low-income women from receiving care at their preferred medical provider. "The men and women of this state have the right to see the health care provider they deem is best for them," said Bryan Howard, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Arizona. "It is wrong for the state to tell Arizonans who they can and cannot see for their health care" (Viebeck, 7/17).