Recently, the House voted on a bill that would defund Planned Parenthood for one year, unless they decided to cease abortions. The vote was 241-187, with one Democrat voting for the bill and three Republicans opposing. The effects of this decision are far worse than just losing taxpayer dollars. Planned Parenthood provides affordable healthcare services to women and families who are uninsured or have low incomes.
The bill came to light when U.S Representative Michael Pence (R-Ind.) believed that government money was being used for abortions. According to the Hyde Amendment, using federal funding for abortions is prohibited unless it is a substantial circumstance. However, Planned Parenthood never used government funding for abortions. In actuality, only 3% of Planned Parenthood services are abortion related. Taxpayer money is used for providing women with birth control, mammograms, pap smears, cancer screenings, and STD exams.
Planned Parenthood will now be losing over $500 million dollars. This loss will not only affect the organization, but women across the country. It takes away from low-cost contraception and health services, as well as prenatal care. Men will be affected as well, as Planned Parenthood screens for colon, prostate, and testicular cancers, as well as erectile dysfunction and male infertility. Aside from sexual health services, they also test for anemia, cholesterol, and diabetes.