Constitutional Law

Despicable: Stop the Assault on Women's Health

By Dahlia Ward, Center for Liberty

Earlier this afternoon, the House of Representatives hit a new low when it voted 240-185 in favor of an extreme amendment to eliminate all federal funding for Planned Parenthood. This would immediately jeopardize the health of millions of women, men and teens who rely on Planned Parenthood and are otherwise unable to afford basic healthcare services.

The Pence amendment is a disturbing attempt to prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving any federal funding because it performs abortions. But this attack hurts all of us who have ever relied of Planned Parenthood for our medical care.

But let's be clear – the consequences of this will be far more personal.

Planned Parenthood is an integral piece of our health care delivery system. In some states, they are the only provider serving low-income women. With federal funds, Planned Parenthood provides women with a range of services that include detecting breast and cervical cancers, preventing unintended pregnancies, treating and preventing sexually transmitted infections, testing for high blood pressure, and counseling about their options including raising the child, adoption and pregnancy terminations.

These attempts to harm a trusted and caring community partner like Planned Parenthood are unconscionable, unwarranted and deeply harmful.

The bill is heading to the Senate. And now it's up to the Senate and President Obama to stop this ideological madness. Take a moment now to tell your senators to say NO to any legislation that threatens comprehensive reproductive and family planning services.

Stay tuned to learn how you can join this fight for Planned Parenthood and for women's access to the health care they need.

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Full post as published by Blog of Rights on February 18, 2011 (boomark / email).