Senators introduce legislation to defund Planned Parenthood, safeguard women's health funding
From U.S. Sen. Dan Coats
R-Indiana
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) has joined a group of 24 senators to offer legislation to protect women’s health and defund Planned Parenthood. The legislation (S.1881), introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), follows gruesome footage showcasing Planned Parenthood’s role in harvesting organs of aborted babies.
“We need to let Planned Parenthood know that the American people do not support these inhumane practices,” said Coats. “I urge all senators to support this bill and affirm that life is a sacred and precious gift that must be protected.”
Supporters of the bill include Coats, Ernst and Senators Rand Paul (R-Ky.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and John Thune (R-S.D.). Leader McConnell stated that the Senate will vote on this legislation before departing for an extended state work period next month.
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In addition to defunding Planned Parenthood, this legislation ensures the preservation of Federal funding for women’s health services including relevant diagnostic laboratory and radiology services, well-child care, prenatal and postpartum care, immunization, family planning services including contraception, sexually transmitted disease testing, cervical and breast cancer screenings, and referrals.
Funds no longer available to Planned Parenthood will continue to be offered to other eligible entities to provide women’s health care services.
The legislation:
• Prohibits Planned Parenthood Federation of America and any of its affiliate organizations from receiving federal funding.
• Protects federal funding for health services for women, including diagnostic laboratory and radiology services, well-child care, prenatal and postnatal care, immunizations, cervical and breast cancer screenings and more.
• Ensures there is no reduction in overall federal funding available to support women’s health services.