Planned Parenthood Responds to House Vote to Defund

The women’s health organization could lose funding over fetal tissue controversy

Planned Parenthood could lose its federal funding, and some Republican congressional representatives say if don’t get their way, they’ll shut down the government. Today, Stephen talks with Lori Lamerand, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood in Southeast Michigan. Together they discuss the controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood.

  • Controversy: A video was released earlier this month about what happens to fetal tissue after an abortion. Lamerand says the video was not real. She say who reviewed the tape say that it was remixed and heavily dubbed to spin the story. Fetal tissue can be used for research but it is not done in Michigan. 
  • Planned Parenthood: According to Lamerand, Planned Parenthood offers patients alternatives to abortions, but she says a small percentage do make the choice to have an abortion. The organization focuses on women’s care. She says it helps those “who fall through the cracks” and uninsured women who need help.
  • What is costs: According to Lamerand, federal spending for Planned Parenthood is .0015 percent of the government budget. 
  • Last word: Lamerand says “We are not going to let others set our agenda…..Without abortions readily available, women could use much more dangerous methods to get an abortion”

Click above to hear the full conversation.

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