A court ruling has cleared the way for Texas to end public funding for Planned Parenthood and other groups that support abortion.

Republican lawmakers passed the "Affiliate Ban Rule" in 2012, but Planned Parenthood sought a temporary injunction to keep it from going into effect on Jan. 1. On Monday, a Texas district judge denied that bid.

The abortion provider said the rule prevents poor women from getting the health care they need.

Texas officials noted, however, that women can still get help through a state program that refers them to doctors and clinics that don't support abortion.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cut off federal funds for the program after Texas dropped Planned Parenthood.