TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will not cut off Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood until July 7 in the third delay in acting against the abortion provider.

A state health department attorney suggested the latest delay Tuesday during a telephone conference hearing in a federal lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood against the cutoff. U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson approved the latest delay.

The state has asked for delays because that would give time for the parties in the lawsuit to prepare.

The state initially told Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri that it would cut off Medicaid funding May 10. It postponed the action until May 24, then until June 7.

The health department attorney on Tuesday said it needs yet more time to prepare because outside attorneys are withdrawing.