Planned Parenthood Feels the Heat in Government Spending Bill

Sarah Torre / February 18, 2011

Among the billions of cuts in the continuing resolution before the House today was a cost-saving amendment that may also save priceless lives. Representative Mike Pence (R–IN), who has fought to end Planned Parenthood’s federal grant subsidies, introduced an amendment to H.R. 1 that would prohibit the abortion provider from receiving any taxpayer dollars. The amendment passed the House of Representatives this afternoon by a vote of 240–185.

The amendment to the continuing resolution, which Congress needs to pass in order to keep the federal government in business, eliminates federal funding of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and its local affiliates. PPFA receives taxpayer funds through a variety of grants, government contracts, and reimbursements. According to a 2010 GAO report, PPFA receives close to a quarter of the $317 million Title X funding earmarked for projects like HIV testing, breast exams, and family planning services. In total, federal funding floats almost a third of Planned Parenthood’s $1 billion budget, providing over $360 million to the abortion provider in 2008–2009 alone. (more…)