Planned Parenthood and its abortion clinics stand to lose $7.5 million a year, after Governor Scott Walker signed two bills that effectively channeled the funds of the organization to other 'less controversial' health causes.
According to Yahoo News, the Republican Governor's decision was sealed by a video showing Planned Parenthood employees negotiating with certain parties over aborted fetal tissues. The state allows the donation and use of these tissues for research, but not for sales or other commercial purposes. The new rules would have the Title X grant, formerly received by Planned Parenthood to be sent to public health entities, such as state, country, and local health entities after the state has formally applied for family-related funding. Prior to the signing of the bill, only Planned Parenthood was able to receive the Title X grant funding.
Moreover, clinics that can legally perform abortion will now bill Medicaid only for costs related to acquisition and the dispensing of prescription drugs.
The Wisconsin Radio Network quotes the statement made by Walker, saying, "today, we signed two bills into law that prioritize women's health while improving government and its services to the citizens of Wisconsin."
Meanwhile, Tanya Atkinson, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin executive director, replied,"...Opponents of women's health will stop at nothing to prevent Planned Parenthood from providing much needed medical care in the community."
WKOW reports statements made by a supporter of the new bills, Dan Miller, executive director of Pro-Life Wisconsin. Miller said, "Pro-Life Wisconsin is grateful to Governor Walker for signing into law legislation that respects the consciences of Wisconsin taxpayers who oppose public funding of abortion." He adds that the "killing of our preborn brothers and sisters with our federal and state tax dollars" must not be forced on the people of Wisconsin by using their tax dollars for abortion procedures.
