Defund Planned Parenthood NOW

Look how much time our legislators spent on guns in bars....they must not let the clock run out without addressing this.

Monday, June 8, 2009


Dear Legislator:

As the budget is debated and the session moves toward adjournment, there remains an unsettled matter of grave significance to Tennessee's pro-life citizens: the awarding of $1.1 million tax dollars to the nation's foremost promoter and provider of abortion, Planned Parenthood. If no action is taken immediately by Pro-life legislators, the agenda of this radical non-profit will continue to be funded with our tax dollars and with your approval.

As introduced, HB 1756 directs that first priority for disbursement of Title X grants for women's health care and family planning services shall be given to local health departments, rather than private non-profit organizations. As Rep. Hensley has stressed, this proposal strengthens the effectiveness of local public agencies across the state which, without exception, are already providing the important and necessary non-abortion services funded by the Title X appropriations. If the services are already being provided by 95 local health departments, why should a controversial, private organization receive tax-funded appropriations in order to duplicate services already being provided by reputable local and state agencies?

During lean financial times, HB 1756 offers the Tennessee Legislature a unique opportunity to direct limited resources toward entities that are most accessible to the at-risk populations targeted for service with Title X funds. By directing these funds to state and local health departments rather than private organizations, the bill also protects this stream of federal funding by ensuring that all applicable laws and guidelines are being met.

Addressing the argument that some health departments may not want the additional $1.1 million dollars in funding, Tennessee Right to Life has communicated with several members of Nashville's Metro Council and can report a great willingness to accept the additional Title X monies. As elected officials responsible for approving and funding the local health department's budget, there is sincere concern as to why their health department would be represented to the Legislature as potentially rejecting these badly needed funds.

In every way, the provisions of HB 1756 allow the Tennessee Legislature to better serve low income women and families with streamlined medical care while strengthening the network of public health providers throughout the state. HB 1756 is modeled after a successful statute in Ohio which has never been challenged in court and is still enforced. Additionally, Tennessee's pro-life legislators can lead the way to direct funding away from controversial and political organizations such as Planned Parenthood, the same entity which has initiated aggressive efforts to block and strip away all of Tennessee's legal protections for women, unborn children and their families.

For all of these reasons, Tennessee Right to Life strongly supports the purposes and policies outlined in HB 1756. On behalf of Tennessee's pro-life majority, we urge your careful consideration and your support of any means necessary to prioritize these tax dollars for public---not private---agencies and organizations.

Toward that Goal,
Brian Harris, President
Tennessee Right to Life