Republican Leadership Approves Ban on Planned Parenthood Funds

‘This abortion-centered business simply doesn’t need or deserve taxpayer dollars,’ agrees one pro-life leader.

WASHINGTON — The Republican National Committee passed a resolution to end “any and all” taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood and divert the money to other women’s health organizations.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, praised the decision for “taking this pro-life stand to get taxpayers out of the abortion business.”

She noted that Planned Parenthood’s annual report showed it performed a record-high 333,964 abortions for fiscal year 2010-2011 while health services it provided for women decreased.

“This abortion-centered business simply doesn’t need or deserve taxpayer dollars,” Dannenfelser said.

The Republican resolution was sponsored by RNC committeewoman Ellen Barrosse of Delaware.

“It’s time to send our taxpayer dollars to organizations that truly care about women,” Barrosse said. “I thank my fellow RNC members for reaffirming our commitment to the unborn and their mothers.”

Although direct taxpayer funding for most abortions is barred by legislation like the Hyde Amendment, Planned Parenthood receives federal funding for family planning, disease testing and other services. In the fiscal year 2011-2012 it received $542.4 million in federal, state and local funding, out of $1.2 billion in total revenue, and made $87.4 million in profit.

Planned Parenthood had about 3 million clients in 2011. Abortions constituted 92% of the organization’s pregnancy services in 2011, with prenatal care making up 7% and adoption referrals making 0.6%.

Planned Parenthood at one time had strong support among some Republicans, including future president George H.W. Bush. Its strongest supporters now include President Barack Obama, who has vigorously defended funding for the organization.

Earlier this month U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced a bill to bar federal funds for any entity that performs abortion.

Several U.S. states have passed similar measures, but they have faced pressure from the Obama administration and federal regulators.