Did Barack Obama Just Ensure Funding To Planned Parenthood Can Never Be Denied By States Against Abortions?
Barack Obama’s administration appears to be strengthening Planned Parenthood’s financial support system and separate pregnancy decisions of women from state politics. The current government seems to have ensured the pro-choice organization and other similar institutions are never denied funds for political reasons.
President Obama’s decisive actions could soon ensure states will have to continue funding Planned Parenthood under all circumstances. The administration’s decisions will effectively prevent states from stopping the flow of funds to any family planning provider for political or policy reasons. Many experts feel the government’s decision is a big political blow to anti-choice religious extremists and misogynist Republicans around the country. These agencies have been trying hard to bring down the reproductive healthcare provider for quite some time, but this new legislature will accord reliable financial security.
Thanks, Obama. https://t.co/bLxrw2Hgyg
— Nursing Clio (@nursingclio) September 10, 2016
What does the new rule state? According to the new rule proposed by Department of Health and Human Services last week, states cannot withhold Title X family planning funds for any reason other than the provider’s “ability to deliver services to program beneficiaries in an effective manner.” What this essentially means is that states cannot cut funding to institutions like Planned Parenthood just because some of the clinics offer abortion services and their policies conflict with those of the state over pregnancy choices. Speaking about the new amendments, Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood stated the following.
“This will make a real difference in so many people’s lives. Thanks to the Obama administration, women will still be able to access the birth control they need to plan their families, and the cancer screenings they need to stay healthy! This rule makes it clear that politicians cannot ignore the law as they pursue their agenda to stop women from getting the care they need.”
The rule will also prevent states from redirecting Title X funds meant for family planning services. For example, the states cannot divert funds that were released for pro-choice establishments to other health centers, irrespective of the fact that they might be federally qualified for reasons “unrelated to their ability to provide Title X services effectively.”
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The Title X program is one of the crucial healthcare services currently extended to low-income American families. Statistically speaking, the program has been providing basic preventive healthcare and family planning services to 4 million Americans who qualify for government medical aid. According to reports, around 85 percent of patients who avail the Title X program, make less than $23,500 per year. With just $70 million in funding, Planned Parenthood serves about a third of these poor Americans.
Finding a way to protect Planned Parenthood services: https://t.co/lS6G9192zr pic.twitter.com/mVZZnaoMta
— New York Times Opinion (@nytopinion) September 10, 2016
Planned Parenthood uses the funds it receives through Title X grants to substantially subsidize medical equipment and services, including contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies as well as free medical screenings to people who might be infected with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), but can’t afford to get themselves tested. Title X grants aren’t meant to subsidize or cover abortion costs under any circumstances. However, quite a few clinics operated under the Planned Parenthood umbrella do offer abortion as well as counseling services. Hence, the organization has been at the receiving end of many pro-life groups as well as political parties that have openly voiced their opinions about abortions.
New Obama Rule Will STOP Republicans From Defunding Planned Parenthood – Forever https://t.co/HKcJkzrRuK pic.twitter.com/cQFwHuHO9o
— Matthew (@TrumpGotRaided) September 10, 2016
There were a series of alleged sting videos that claimed to show Planned Parenthood executives discussing the trade for fetal body parts. While the authenticity of these videos is highly questionable, 14 states quickly moved to try and cease all funding that’s flows towards Planned Parenthood. With the new rules, Obama may have permanently ensured millions of low-income Americans have guaranteed access to reproductive health services.
[Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images]
