A federal judge struck down an Arizona law that blocked Medicare funding from being used at Planned Parenthood abortion clinics.

Judge Neil Wake said the law banned the use of Medicare funds for general health services provided by abortion clinics. He ruled that it violates patient's rights to use the funding wherever they choose.

"Judge Wake's ruling thwarts the will of Arizona taxpayers to stop funding big abortion businesses such as Planned Parenthood," Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, said.

"As a result, funds will be reduced for agencies that provide whole women's health care," she said.

A federal appeals court recently struck down a similar law in Indiana.