Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Ohio released their monthly Thanks and Spanks today. The organization's cheers and jeers go to two groups or individuals who have made a difference in reproductive rights, either good or bad.

Officially known as the Mexico City Policy, this is a ban on federal funding for international family planning organizations that discuss abortion options with their patients. If clinics want to discuss abortion, they must sacrifice the valuable funding they need to operate. With the overturning of the “global gag rule,” millions more women around the world will be able to access critical basic services including safe abortion and birth control since thousands of health care providers that provide the full range of reproductive health care will once again be able to inform women of their full range of health care options, while others will now be eligible for international family planning funding.

George Bush placed this gag over the mouths of doctors and nurses around the world as soon as he took office in 2001. President Obama restored the option last week, which will prevent the tragic rate of illness and mortality resulting from illegal abortions.

The Medicaid Family Planning State Option does two important things: it allows millions of low income women to obtain basic health care, including cancer screenings, and it saves states money. Extending safety net health care coverage for millions who are losing their jobs and health insurance in the economic downturn is more important than ever. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Medicaid Family Planning State Option would save the federal government $700 million over ten years, freeing up money to go towards other pressing state and national priorities during these tough economic times.

Despite these clear economic and social benefits, Congressman Boehner (R-West Chester) made false claims on Meet the Press and in other media appearances that this provision is "$200 million for contraceptives." He has completely distorted the truth about what this family planning coverage is and what it means to low income women across the country. Shame on him.



-Gabriel

Read more...

Thanks and Spanks for January 2009

Thanks to President Obama
for lifting the Global Gag Rule!

Officially known as the Mexico City Policy, this is a ban on federal funding for international family planning organizations that discuss abortion options with their patients. If clinics want to discuss abortion, they must sacrifice the valuable funding they need to operate. With the overturning of the “global gag rule,” millions more women around the world will be able to access critical basic services including safe abortion and birth control since thousands of health care providers that provide the full range of reproductive health care will once again be able to inform women of their full range of health care options, while others will now be eligible for international family planning funding.

George Bush placed this gag over the mouths of doctors and nurses around the world as soon as he took office in 2001. President Obama restored the option last week, which will prevent the tragic rate of illness and mortality resulting from illegal abortions.

Spanks to Congressman John Boehner
for spreading lies about the
Medicaid Family Planning State Option
as part of the Economic Stimulus bill.

The Medicaid Family Planning State Option does two important things: it allows millions of low income women to obtain basic health care, including cancer screenings, and it saves states money. Extending safety net health care coverage for millions who are losing their jobs and health insurance in the economic downturn is more important than ever. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Medicaid Family Planning State Option would save the federal government $700 million over ten years, freeing up money to go towards other pressing state and national priorities during these tough economic times.

Despite these clear economic and social benefits, Congressman Boehner (R-West Chester) made false claims on Meet the Press and in other media appearances that this provision is "$200 million for contraceptives." He has completely distorted the truth about what this family planning coverage is and what it means to low income women across the country. Shame on him.

Read more...