Planned Parenthood survives budget cut

Mon. July 27, 2009 12:00 AM by Jay Shaff

cong. mike quigley

photo credit // jay shaff
Chicago, IL - Planned Parenthood, which serves a large number of the LGBT community , survived a threat from the right which could have slashed funding for its programs. Known as the Pence amendment, the measure was soundly defeated Friday in the House by a vote of 247-183.

Beth Kanter, Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Planned Parenthood of Illinois, said today the Planned Parenthood is "very supportive" of the LGBT community. LGBT patients are "very much a part of our patient mix."

"Planned Parenthood applauds members of Congress for standing up for women's health and the millions of women who rely on Planned Parenthood for preventive health care," said Cecile Richards, PPFA president.

Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) spoke out strongly against an amendment that would have disqualified Planned Parenthood from receiving critical funding to provide primary care health services such as breast exams, family planning, and screening for high blood pressure, cancer, STDs, and HIV. The Title X program allows health centers such as Planned Parenthood to provide primary care to almost two million women. For many of these low-income women, particularly those who do not qualify for Medicaid or cannot afford health insurance, Title X clinics provide the only basic health care that they receive.
 

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