Pa. lawmaker targets funding for Planned Parenthood
Health-care providers in Pennsylvania would be unable to receive public dollars if they perform abortions under a Republican state lawmaker’s proposal.
Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, is singling out Planned Parenthood in particular as one of the largest providers of abortion services for which he wants to end funding.
“They’re utilizing taxpayer subsidies for their window dressing and as their public relations funding arm, and that’s what needs to come to an end,” Metcalfe said Wednesday.
It doesn’t work that way, says Sari Stevens, spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood of Pennsylvania.
She says her organization doesn’t get a lump sum from the government – it only gets money that goes directly toward subsidizing non-abortion services for patients, such as a low-income woman who needs a cancer screening or an STD test.
“She gets a reduced rate of services,” explained Stevens. “We’re not getting that money, she’s getting that money.”
The House GOP leadership says it hasn’t yet reviewed the bill.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.