News

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 7, 2013, (LifeSiteNews.com) – A U.S. Congresswoman has introduced a bill to deny federal family planning funds to Planned Parenthood and anyone who provides elective abortions.

Rep. Diane Black, R-TN, introduced H.R. 217, the “Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act.” 

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It would not reduce the amount of Title X money but would reserve tax dollars for women’s health care providers who do not perform abortion except for rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Hospitals are excluded from this provision. The organizations must also promise not to fund any institution that performs elective abortions.

Although it is unlikely to become law under President Obama, the rule would be devastating to Planned Parenthood, which requires all its affiliates to offer abortion in at least one location.

“I commend my distinguished colleague, Diane Black, for introducing this important legislation to cut off taxpayer funding for the abortion industry, including Planned Parenthood—the largest abortion chain in America,” said Houaw Pro-Life Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Chris Smith, R-NJ.

Taxpayer funds accounted for more than 45 percent of the abortion giant’s overall budget. At the same time, the organization is the subject of allegations of defrauding government programs to the tune of tens of millions of dollars.

In its annual report for the 2011-2012, Planned Parenthood revealed it aborted 333,964 babies and received $538.5 million in public funding – setting dubious new records in both categories. 

“On average, that is more than 900 abortions a day, 37 an hour, and one abortion every two minutes,” Rep. Smith said. “Abortion chemically poisons or dismembers children piece by piece.  It is child abuse.  It is time to take a second look at Planned Parenthood—‘Child Abuse, Incorporated.’”

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His pro-life colleagues amplified his views.

“It is never okay to use federal funding to promote the grisly, destructive practice of abortion,” said Rep. John Fleming, R-LA.

The State of Texas passed a similar measure, which went into effect this month. The new system, which is funded entirely by the state, makes more than 1,000 additional health care providers available to tend underprivileged women, despite excluding Planned Parenthood. 

Mike Pence introduced the same measure in the previous Congress. The Indiana Republican left the chamber and won election as governor of Indiana. His opponent, who classified himself as a “pro-life Democrat,” harshly criticized Pence’s abortion stance.