Pro-life community does not want to fund abortion provider

The U.S. House of Representatives voted last week to eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides abortions, along with a variety of health care services for women. The Virginia General Assembly last week approved legislation that requires abortion clinics to be regulated as hospitals, and providers say the stricter regulations will force many of them out of business. Both measures were pushed by anti-abortion activists. Should personal and religious views be allowed to prevent women from having access to a legal medical procedure?

  
There are no secrets when it comes to politics and abortion. Every political candidate has to take a position on abortion and if elected, act on that position. While the Supreme Court has defined abortion as a constitutional right, it has not held that our Constitution requires the government to fund pro-abortion organizations nor must we allow abortion clinics to operate without restrictions.

Defunding Planned Parenthood and making abortion clinics that perform invasive "legal medical" procedures comply with hospital regulations is about leveling the playing field.

Planned Parenthood took in more than a billion dollars in total revenue in 2009. That same year, the Goliath of the abortion industry boasted that it performed 332,278 abortions contrasted with only 977 adoption referrals. While Planned Parenthood's conduct disgusts America's pro-life community, the fact that government provides about a third of Planned Parenthood's yearly budget - that's $363 million dollars in 2009 - is something we are committed to stopping.

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Please note that in discussing political issues, candidates positions and political party statements, Jordan Sekulow is offering analysis in his individual capacity as lawyer and commentator. He is not speaking on behalf of the American Center for Law & Justice. The ACLJ does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office. Nothing contained in this article should be construed as the position of the ACLJ.