Congressman Mike Pence succinctly laid out the case for his amendment: “..[T]his is not about Planned Parenthood’s right to be in the abortion business… This debate is about who [funds] it… Nobody is saying that Planned Parenthood can’t be the leading advocate of abortion on demand in America … but why do I have to pay for it?” The continuing resolution – that included the Pence amendment banning any funding of Planned Parenthood – was passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday.
This is the first step in stopping almost one-third of a billion dollars from going into Planned Parenthood coffers. The continuing resolution still needs the approval of the Senate and then the signature of the President. This resolution is also crucial to turning back the tide on irresponsible government spending.
Planned Parenthood advocates continue to claim that Planned Parenthood deserves the taxpayer funds because they do more than just abortions. Yet thousands of non-profits around the world do crucial work to aid women, children, and the vulnerable – without a dime of aid from government. Planned Parenthood can do the same. It is also interesting that just this year, Planned Parenthood leadership has required that all affiliates must do abortions or drop the Planned Parenthood name.
Thursday night, the almost three-hour debate on the Pence amendment was full of statements revealing the shallowness of the pro-abortion position. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis) made the stunning statement that abortion is better option for babies resulting from an unplanned pregnancies than a life of “eating Ramen noodles” or “mayonnaise sandwiches.” Others tried to make the case that there would be no healthcare for some women or help for victims of sexual assault if Planned Parenthood was defunded. I don’t think Planned Parenthood is necessary strapped for cash since they regularly bring in a profit of over $89 million a year. I think they’ve got a dime or two to spare.
Thank you to all who contacted their representatives to encourage their support of these measures. Please take a minute to thank them as well! Then get ready to let your voice be heard as this measure moves to the Senate.
Watch Rep. Mike Pence as he tells it like it is:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haWnTlE-Yek&w=480&h=390]