Planned Parenthood Defunding Advances in the States
Three states in one week.
While Mitch McConnell’s Senate killed the bill that would have restricted federal funds from flowing to organ trafficking Planned Parenthood, state governments have moved in response to the undercover videos that uncover PP’s allegedly illegal tissue trade. The day the Senate came seven votes short of advancing the defunding bill, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal canceled his state’s contract with the organization. “Planned Parenthood does not represent the values of the people of Louisiana and shows a fundamental disrespect for human life,” Jindal said. “It has become clear that this is not an organization that is worthy of receiving public assistance from the state.” On Wednesday, the New Hampshire Executive Council voted 3-2 to defund the organization, with a pro-abortion councilor who supported PP in the past casting the swing vote against the abortion provider. The next day, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley also blocked state funds from flowing to PP. “I respect human life, and I do not want Alabama to be associated with an organization that does not,” Bentley tweeted. Like the larger pro-life moment, the effort to remove the government’s support for Planned Parenthood’s practices advances the furthest through state politics.