Local advocates defend Planned Parenthood

Aug. 06--Health service provider Planned Parenthood will continue to receive federal funding, for now. Senate Democrats this week blocked a bill proposed by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa and co-sponsored by Utah's Sen. Orrin Hatch, that would defund Planned Parenthood.

The bill was defeated in a 53-46 vote Monday, needing 60 votes to move forward. Although the fight is over for now, the issue will likely come up again when Congress in September again takes up budget matters.

Republican opposition for funding the organization surfaced after controversial videos emerged that depicted Planned Parenthood representatives discussing obtaining and selling organs from aborted fetuses for medical research.

The Republican Hatch has been outspoken and a vocal on the topic. He released a statement Monday attacking Planned Parenthood. Hatch also wrote a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services, demanding an investigation into Planned Parenthood's practices.

"The truth about Planned Parenthood is finally coming out, and Congress should respond swiftly and decisively," Hatch said in the statement. "If our investigation turns up any evidence of possible criminal wrongdoing, such evidence should be turned over to the proper authorities."

Regardless of the controversy, local advocates who use the Ogden Planned Parenthood clinic are opposed to taking away the millions of dollars the organization receives each year from government health service grants and reimbursements. According to Planned Parenthood's annual report, none of the taxpayer dollars are used for abortions.

Karrie Galloway, director of Planned Parenthood of Utah, said this isn't the organization's "first rodeo" when dealing with controversy. Galloway said the other services the Utah clinics provide, such as free HIV testing, men's health care, cancer screening and affordable birth control, are in jeopardy if the Senate takes away federal funding.

"Planned Parenthood sees over 51,000 Utah men and women for their health care, for their reproductive healthcare. They rely on that," she said, adding 33,000 of those people are subsidized by federal funding.

"Where do those people go for their health care? The state certainly isn't expanding Medicaid, is it? So these people, those 33,000, don't have insurance," Galloway said. "This is their health care."

Many have taken to social media to voice their opinions on the debate. The hashtag #DefundPP has been used by Hatch on Twitter to bring the public into the conversation.

Tweets about DefundPP

Besides Utahns who don't have insurance, many in the LGBT community use Planned Parenthood because of its confidentiality and non-judgmental health care.

Katt Perry, of North Ogden, used to work with youth at the Utah Pride Center and would drive teens to the clinic in Salt Lake City for tests and other health concerns.

"PP is not just for women's health; it is also for our youth and our (LGBT) community who do not have access to the things that PP so graciously provides. People assume that PP is only for abortions, but they don't realize the preventative care they offer and the resources available," Perry said.

"A rape victim I was helping was too scared to do anything because it was her brother, and without the help of Planned Parenthood's abilities, she never would have been able to have a voice about it and catch the brother who did it," she said. "He was later convicted on six accounts of rape, six known girls he had hurt, and it happened because of PP."

On Facebook, other locals commented on the local Planned Parenthood clinic, on Harrison Boulevard in Ogden.

"I think planned parenthood should be funded for birth control std and er services only. As for abortions that is something that a person should talk to there health care provider and go from there," wrote Jannetta Wolfe-Lane.

On the same thread, Betsy Fritch posted, "I find it hilarious that there are some people on here who think Planned Parenthood is for abortions ... when actually ... they'd rather prevent the unwanted pregnancy in the first place. However, should that occur, they don't provide the services, but rather information where the services can take place. I love Ogden Planned Parenthood. They're always kind and judging. Always helpful and sensitive. Love them."

Others shared anecdotes on the value of having a low-cost alternative for getting services like birth control and free pregnancy tests. Galloway said she thinks most of the organization's clients aren't involved in the recent controversy.

"Though the Senate vote did not pass on Monday, it doesn't mean that when the Senate comes back after recess that they won't try again," she said. "Planned Parenthood has no intention of closing. We are not totally funded by the federal government."

Contact reporter Raychel Johnson at 801-625-4279 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @raychelNEWS.

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