Walker's elimination of family planning funds could jeopardize federal dollars, close clinics

Walker's elimination of family planning funds could jeopardize federal dollars, close clinics

JUDITH DAVIDOFF | The Capital Times | jdavidoff@madison.com

"Anti-abortion groups have hailed the governor's move to eliminate state funding for family planning. "Wisconsin Right to Life Applauds Walker Budget Which Cuts Funds to Abortion Providers," read the headline on the group's news release March 3, the day after Walker released his budget.

"The headline alludes to Planned Parenthood, which provides family planning services around the state and abortion services at three stand-alone clinics. Walker's move to spike family planning dollars is among efforts throughout the U.S. by Republicans aimed at Planned Parenthood; Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives, for instance, voted on Feb. 18 to ban the use of federal funds for Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide.

Federal law, however, prohibits the use of federal dollars for abortion services, as does Wisconsin law, so none of the funds targeted in Walker's budget are used to fund abortion services.

Barbara Lyons, Executive Director of Wisconsin Right to Life, nevertheless insists that Planned Parenthood uses taxpayer dollars to help "underwrite" its abortion practices.

Amanda Harrington, spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, disputes such claims and says its abortion clinics are "funded entirely with private funds.""(see full article)Walker's elimination of family planning funds could jeopardize federal dollars, close clinics