Despite a huge outcry among young women (including many of you!), Congress passed a bill last week that would cut off Planned Parenthood from federal funding. (That money helps give women access to affordable birth control, pap tests, breast exams, and screening and treatment of STDs.)
By Zoë Ruderman
“[This is] an extreme and dangerous piece of legislation," said the President of Planned Parenthood, Cecile Richards in a press release. "The House Republican leadership has launched an outrageous assault on the millions of Americans who rely on Planned Parenthood for primary and preventative health care."
Yes, Planned Parenthood also offers abortions, but that only accounts for three percent of their services. And federal funding of Planned Parenthood does not go towards abortions, only preventative measures.
She also made a very important point: "It is difficult to understand why people who say they are opposed to abortion would do so much to undermine the family planning and contraception that helps prevent the need for it."
The bill, part of the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act, will now go on to the Senate for a vote. (The Senate has a democratic majority, which means this bill is likely to have much more opposition than it did in the House with its Republican majority.) It's not clear exactly when that vote will take place, but it's expected to happen in the next few weeks. And of course, we'll keep you updated.
Are you surprised that Congress passed this bill? Does it make you nervous that we're one step closer to losing a source of affordable health care?
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