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Proposal to Ban Federal Funding for Planned Parenthood Defeated

An amendment to the Labor, Health, and Human Services bill that sought to ban all federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) was defeated last week in the House by a vote of 247 to 183. Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) introduced the amendment, which would have prevented funds from going to Planned Parenthood affiliated clinics “for any purpose under Title X of the Public Health Services Act,” reported RH Reality Check.

PPFA currently receives public funding through the Title X family planning program, which provides 1.7 million women with comprehensive family planning services and preventative care, according to PPFA’s press release. Funds available under Title X cannot be used for abortion services.

A spokesperson for Congresswoman Betsy Markey (D-CO), who voted against the amendment, told the Colorado Independent that Planned Parenthood clinics “are community health centers that provide preventative and primary care – in most cases to lower-income communities – like disease prevention, education and cancer screenings. Given the massive economic hardships Americans face right now, it’s not the time to be focusing on divisive issues like this.”

Sources:

RH Reality Check 7/24/09; Planned Parenthood Press Release 7/24/09; Colorado Independent 7/24/09

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