None of Kentucky’s Planned Parenthood clinics perform abortions, but a group of Kentucky House Republicans is seeking to end state funding for the organization following the uproar over a series of disputed uncovered videos.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that 12 GOP representatives have signed on to a pre-filed bill that would cut off funds for health clinics that provide what it calls abortion “referral” services or “consulting.” Leading sponsor Rep. Lynn Bechler said she fears the dollars indirectly support the procedure.
The funds in question originate with the federal government but funnel through the state on their way to county health departments, two of which contract with local Planned Parenthood facilities. Under the bill, the dollars allocated for Fayette County would likely wind up going to two other providers – the Fayette County Health Department and Bluegrass Community Health Center.
Planned Parenthood of Kentucky president Betty Cockrum warns yanking funds for birth control could drive up abortions in the state while Bechler argues other providers can take up the slack.