Request For Action, Call Branstad's Office

[rurallib]

In last week's radioiowa news there was a story that Bob Vander Plaats in the name of his family leader group is pressuring Branstad to defund Planned Parenthood. Apparently Branstad does have the power to do so unilaterally, so this is not an idle pressure. http://www.radioiowa.com/2015/08/06/branstad-being-pressured-to-defund-planned-parenthood/

In this instance I believe it is critical that Iowans call Branstad's office and let him know that we support Planned Parenthood and their work here in Iowa, especially among the young and the poor women. Remind him also that if funds are cut then it could result in more unplanned pregnancies and thus potentially more abortions. Prevention is a much wiser policy. PP is also often in the front line for cancer prevention for women

Here is the contact info:

The Governor’s office is 515-281-5211.
Or if you prefer to email here is the link:
https://governor.iowa.gov/constituent-services/register-an-opinion

Please tell your friends. This is important. Remember, Jindal just defunded PP in Louisiana. It can happen and Iowa's women will be much the worst for it.

[progressoid]

1. Thanks for this ruralib.

I sent a message. Hope it actually makes a difference.

Apparently he's waiting for his investigators to tell him if the IA PP had done anything wrong before deciding.

When asked if the governor would support pulling Medicaid money that Planned Parenthood uses for non-abortion purposes, Centers replied in an email: "Upon reviewing the findings from the Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa Department of Human Services, the governor will consider what options the state has moving forward."

It could be legally complicated for state officials to pull Medicaid money that Planned Parenthood uses for non-abortion purposes. Most of that money comes from the federal government. "Any time you take federal money, there are strings attached," said Heartsill, the legislator.

A national spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood noted Friday that federal administrators have said it would be impermissible for states to withhold Medicaid money for non-abortion purposes just because a private agency happens to provide abortions with other money.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2015/08/07/planned-parenthood-videos-fuel-iowa-abortion-debate/31315919/

[rurallib]

2. I got a strange response when I called

but whatever - I think it is really important that we let it be known that PP has a large base of support in Iowa.
I added that coupling this with the school funding cut makes the Repub party in Iowa appear very unfriendly to families.