A controversial appointee to oversee family-planning programs at the Department of Health and Human Services has resigned. Eric Keroack had come under criticism as the former head of a medical organization that discourages contraception and advocates abstinence until marriage. On Thursday, Keroack told his staff he was stepping down because Medicaid officials had taken legal action against his private medical practice in Massachusetts. No further details were released. Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said: “It’s a good day for women’s health. … The Bush administration must replace Keroack with a legitimate, mainstream public health expert who supports family planning and access to birth control.”