Former State Senator Wendy Davis weighs in on legislation designed to block taxpayer dollars from Planned Parenthood.
SB-22 would block local governments from entering into a contracts with healthcare providers that perform abortions of are affiliated with ones that do, State Senator Donna Campbell authored the bill and said “Taxpayers who oppose abortion shouldn’t have to see their tax dollars subsidize the industry.”
Former State Senator Wendy Davis filibustered the 2013 abortion bill, argued Planned Parenthood performs more services than just abortions, like regular health check ups, cancer screening and more for people without alot of options.
The bill passed through committee and is headed to the full Senate Floor.
Austin city and area civic leaders voiced their support for Planned Parenthood as the State legislature seeks to block the group’s partnerships with local governments through SB 22.
The group’s Sara Wheat said Planned Parenthood has been in Texas for the last 80 years and pledged another 80.
Mayor Steve Alder called the bill an overreach, “it is a preemption that goes against the ability of local communities to decide what is best in their neighborhoods. “
Through partnership with the City of Austin, Planned Parenthood rents office space in East Austin for $1 a year, and if that’s taken away Planned Parenthood officials say the rent burden would pull money away from patients.
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt said what’s happening with planned Parenthood goes beyond the one medical decision that has stirred many conservative lawmakers. She believes it is really about letting people making their own choices.
(PhotoS:Jon Cooley/Newsradio KLBJ 590am/99.7fm)
