Rep. Howard L. Berman Disappointed in House Vote to Deny Funding to Planned Parenthood

Press Release

Today, Congressman Howard L. Berman (CA-28) strongly opposed an amendment offered on the floor of the United States House of Representatives to deny funding to Planned Parenthood. Congressman Howard Berman has long supported Planned Parenthood's mission to provide affordable access to quality comprehensive reproductive health care and is committed to ensuring this provision is not enacted into law.

"Planned Parenthood is an invaluable community-based health care provider that plays a critical role in improving women's health, lowering the rate of unintended pregnancies, and decreasing infant and maternal mortality," said Congressman Howard Berman. "I am disappointed that so many of my colleagues in the House would support this legislative attack against women's health. I strongly opposed this amendment, and will do everything possible to ensure Planned Parenthood receives the funding it needs to continue providing critical healthcare to millions of women."

The amendment, offered by anti-choice Republican Mike Pence of Indiana, would prevent any and all federal funding from going to Planned Parenthood, including Medicaid reimbursement for family planning services, funding for HIV testing and counseling, funding for programs to prevent infertility, breast and cervical cancer screening funds, and funding to provide evidenced-based sex education, including information about abstinence. The amendment was offered during debate on H.R. 1, the Continuing Resolution for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011.

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