Planned Parenthood Funding Threatened (Once Again) By The GOP | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Planned Parenthood Funding Threatened (Once Again) By The GOP

A continuation of the GOP's long held mission to screw the country over.

11
Planned Parenthood Funding Threatened (Once Again) By The GOP
Roya Ann Miller // Unsplash

On Thursday, Vice President and homophobic cotton swab, Mike Pence, broke a tie in Congress to pass a bill that would allow state governments to block Title X funding for organizations that provide abortion services, including Planned Parenthood. And good thing too, right? Because as we all know, the government shouldn’t be providing nearly $200 million to such a “corrupt and evil” practice in the first place.

Except that it wasn’t.

Title X, first established in the 1970 Public Health Service Act, is a federal family planning program that had covered things like contraception, STD screenings and treatments, but not abortion as the Hyde Amendment barred federal funding of abortion all the way back in 1976. What Title X could do, was fund various other family planning services that could then separately offer abortions. Before former President Obama left office, he looked to protect this relationship by signing a rule that prohibited states from distributing any Title X funding based on whether an organization provided abortion services. This new bill, however, overturns that rule, allowing states to decide whether such organizations can access funding at all.

The GOP and the far right insist that they are not preventing organizations like Planned Parenthood from receiving Title X funding, but are only returning the responsibility to the states to make that decision. In doing so, our nation’s ruling legislators end up using the same logic as a Disney villain who’s forcibly imprisoned the protagonist and claimed that it was for his/her own good.

Claiming that this was a matter of state’s rights and not an attack on Planned Parenthood is not only erroneous, but also dangerous. The GOP has long been after a way to take down what some call “America’s abortion giant” through a variety of means all parading under some guise that didn’t fully conceal their active disregard for women’s reproductive rights. This war against Planned Parenthood is quite ridiculous when you factor in that a) abortion makes up only 3% of the services offered b) MEN, yes men, need it just as much for things like testicular cancer screening and c) approximately 75% of their patients possess incomes below the federal poverty line and depend on this funding because they would otherwise not be able to afford it.

Democratic Senator Patty Murray commented that this vote was "cruel, and it would have [the] greatest impact on women and families who need it the most.”

The GOP is seemingly always trying to one up itself in regard to its own wickedness. Look at the failed (emphasis on failed) health care act that would not only leave approximately 24 million Americans uninsured, but would also protect young, healthy patients who are the least likely to need the coverage in the first place. Look at this, the vote to strip much needed health care services from women and other patient demographics who will most likely not be able to find alternate solutions. Look at the man they put in the White House for god’s sake.

Nevertheless, you can still hep by donating to Planned Parenthood and organizations similar or calling your representatives and voicing your opposition.

As the old proverb says, if you want to get something done and your legislature is made up of indecisive, amoral white men who can’t even get a health care act voted on after hyping it for seven years and essentially put a sociopathic, expired loaf of bread as commander in chief, then you gotta go do it yourself.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

11898
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5314
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3940
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3480
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments