News

Press release 10-13-09:

Greater Columbus Right to Life Communications Director Jason Shanks testified this morning before the Franklin County Commissioners, urging that they oppose a proposed expenditure to Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio.  As noted by Jason, this expenditure would give “$50,000 of Franklin County Taxpayer Dollars to Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio.” A practice the commissioners admitted they have been doing for four or more years.

Mr. Shanks outlined a number of reasons that the Franklin County Commissioners should oppose this resolution.  For example, while the County resolution flatters Planned Parenthood as “one of” the area’s “key” providers of health services to low income and vulnerable populations, the resolution failed to note that Planned Parenthood is also a “key” promoter of abortions and abortion services here in Franklin County.   “This is especially important because abortion is repugnant to the majority of our society.  A recent Gallup poll identified that 51% of Americans are opposed to abortion, and an even greater percentage is opposed to public funding of abortions and giving public funds to abortion providers,” testified Shanks.  He added, “We think that it is vital for all elected officials to realize that their constituents are strongly opposed to this action, even if it is couched in terms like “reproductive health care reform” or preventative health care.”

Mr. Shanks testified to remind Franklin County elected officials that, “at best, this is political cover for a politically unpopular organization.  At its worst, this is rebranding a repugnant product and pushing it onto a young and vulnerable population.  There is no reason that these funds need to be allocated an organization that is an advocate for abortion.”

He asked if parents are going to be notified that Planned Parenthood is providing instruction and medical exams of kids.  He asked if other organizations were considered to provide the services who are not a leading abortion provider in the country.  As one example, we have learned that Pregnancy Decision Health Centers of Columbus provide similar services using federal funding and are already in our schools. There is no reason to spend county tax dollars if the service is already being provided.  “Perhaps the commissioners just wanted to give Planned Parenthood money for political reasons,” said Shanks.

After urging the Commissioners to oppose the resolution, Jason noted that “if the Franklin County Commissioners are going to go on the record in providing funds to an abortion provider, we would highly recommend that the language of the resolution and contract be amended to specifically state that none of these taxpayer dollars will be used to provide an abortion (including the purchase of abortifacients such as the morning after pill), promote abortion services or the availability of abortions.” 

The mission of Greater Columbus Right to Life is to promote a culture that protects innocent human life from conception until natural death.   As such, it is a leader in educating the public about abortion and its long-term impacts on women and women’s health and urging peaceful means to shape public policy and public opinion on related matters, including abortion, euthanasia, and stem cell research.

Last Modified Release 2.6