Banning Planned Parenthood Centers, and Dave Camp

I’ll begin with a disclosure: I am a member of Planned Parenthood. Whether or not you are pro-choice or pro-life, I would hope that preventing unwanted conception is a common ground for us to agree upon. While Planned Parenthood clinics are viewed by many people as little more than abortion clinics, in fact the prime goal has been, and continues to be (surprise!) family planning. Among other things, this means giving people information about how to prevent pregnancies, or information about prenatal care. Yes, abortion is part of the mix, but it is a last resort.

This might come as a surprise (he wrote sarcastically), but there are people who are not only against abortion, but also against real sex education and any and all means of contraception. This is why Planned Parenthood has been in their sights for many years as an organization that they want to put out of business.

Their latest attempt is coming from Congressman Mike Pence. Mike is introducing an amendment that specifically seeks to ban Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide from receiving family planning funding. This is probably unconstitutional, but that has not stopped Republicans from the far right yet.

Planned Parenthood frames it this way: “Each year, more than five million women receive comprehensive family planning services at family planning clinics that are funded by Title X. These women are predominantly poor and uninsured -- two-thirds have incomes at or below the federal poverty level. Title X provides a critical safety net for these women, and without it, many women would go without the health care they need and deserve. For many of these women, Planned Parenthood is the only provider they know and trust. Time and time again, anti-family planning politicians put politics ahead of women's health. It's time to put a stop to these extremist policies.“

This amendment will reach the floor of the House soon, and Dave (Rubber Stamp) Camp will be voting on it. Call him and urge him to vote NO on the Pence Amendment to the Labor-HHS spending bill. This is another chance for him stand up for women’s health. Call soon!

Representative Dave Camp
(202) 225-3561