05-06-2012, 01:36 AM
Okay, searched a few sources to get more background on Planned Parenthood and its funding. Quick summary (to the best of my ability):
The Federal funding that goes to Planned Parenthood (since Nixon got approval from both conservatives and liberals) is not used for abortions. It's against the law for the government to fund abortions, as it stands. The money is to go towards preventing pregnancies and education.
However, conservatives argue that by funding these preventative services through tax dollars, it frees up PP resources (or allows them to hire more) who can focus on abortions, which accounts for about 15% of the organization's annual revenue. Statistics show that PP performs about 350,000 abortions per year. The organization claims that through it's preventative services and education programs, it prevents over 600,000 unwanted pregnancies per year (not sure how they can quantify that, but it's their contention). Conservatives respond by claiming birth control does not prevent abortions.
So, states that are electing to cease PP funding are directly cutting off birth control sources and education. It is their contention, as best I understand, that this will weaken the organization and its ability to operate as the largest abortion provider in the country.
And the wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round.
The Federal funding that goes to Planned Parenthood (since Nixon got approval from both conservatives and liberals) is not used for abortions. It's against the law for the government to fund abortions, as it stands. The money is to go towards preventing pregnancies and education.
However, conservatives argue that by funding these preventative services through tax dollars, it frees up PP resources (or allows them to hire more) who can focus on abortions, which accounts for about 15% of the organization's annual revenue. Statistics show that PP performs about 350,000 abortions per year. The organization claims that through it's preventative services and education programs, it prevents over 600,000 unwanted pregnancies per year (not sure how they can quantify that, but it's their contention). Conservatives respond by claiming birth control does not prevent abortions.
So, states that are electing to cease PP funding are directly cutting off birth control sources and education. It is their contention, as best I understand, that this will weaken the organization and its ability to operate as the largest abortion provider in the country.
And the wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round.