President Trump Ends Title X Funding of Planned Parenthood
President Trump Returns to Reagan-era Protect Life Rule, De-funds Planned Parenthood
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jamieson Weaver
DATE: Friday, May 18, 2018 PHONE: 614-547-0099 ext. 304
COLUMBUS, Ohio–Today, President Trump’s administration announced that abortion facilities will no longer be eligible for Title X family-planning funds. This is a return to the Protect Life Rule, implemented during the Reagan administration. Under this rule, facilities providing or refering for abortions would not be eligible for Title X funds. Regulations similar to these were upheld in the 1991 Supreme Court case Rust v. Sullivan.
“The conscience rights of Ohio’s taxpayers have been preserved today, thanks to President Trump!” said Mike Gonidakis, President of Ohio Right to Life. “Abortion is not family planning, and taxpayers should not be forced to fund the staff salaries, rent, and utilities of abortion facilities, as has been the case in the past with Title X. Ohio Right to Life is encouraged that family planning dollars will finally go to the facilities that deserve them: clinics that provide real healthcare for women and their babies.”
The Protect Life Rule overturns a Clinton-era regulation that allowed for the money in the Title X slush fund to go to abortion facilities. This regulation does not change the amount of money that will go towards family planning, but instead will change the eligibility requirements for those who choose to apply for this funding. Alternative health care centers, including community and rural health care centers, outnumber Planned Parenthood abortion facilities by more than 20 to 1 nationwide.
“Federally-qualified Health Centers, state and county health departments and so many other community health centers provide real, comprehensive care for women and children without compromising the conscience of Ohio’s taxpayers” said Gonidakis. “If Planned Parenthood really wants Title X funding, they should stop providing, promoting, and referring for abortions. Ohio Right to Life commends President Trump for taking a strong stand for life.”
Founded in 1967, Ohio Right to Life, with more than 45 chapters and local affiliates, is Ohio’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. Recognized as the flagship of the pro-life movement in Ohio, ORTL works through legislation and education to promote and defend innocent human life from conception to natural death.
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For an audio file of Mike Gonidakis’ quote, click here.