Pennsylvania Lawmakers Make Another Attempt To Cut Planned Parenthood Funding
By Tony Romeo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A group of Pennsylvania House members say they're making another attempt to defund Planned Parenthood and other providers of abortion on demand.
Republican Daryl Metcalfe of Butler County, the sponsor of the legislation, says funding for women's health services would not be reduced, but reallocated.
"Taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize abortionists and their facilities."
But Sari Stevens, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates, says it's a myth that her organization can take taxpayer dollars earmarked for other women's health services it provides and redirect them for abortion. She says any subsidy for a hypothetical $40 procedure goes to the patient, not Planned Parenthood.
"She is eligible for a reduced fee. So she pays $10. If we're not able to offer her that reduced fee, she's paying $40."
Meanwhile, a spokesman for House Republican leaders says they haven't seen the bill, but feel that current state law to prevent taxpayer dollars from subsidizing abortion is adequate.
