WAUKESHA — Governor Scott Walker signed two bills into law February 18 that, together, are expected to eliminate approximately $8 million in public funding from Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI), the state’s largest abortion provider.
Assembly Bill 310 redirects federal Title X family planning funds away from organizations that perform abortions to public entities including state, county, and local health departments and clinics. This will eliminate $3.5 million from PPWI.
Senate Bill 238 reduces PPWI’s Medicaid reimbursement rate for contraceptive drugs, requiring that PPWI be reimbursed the actual cost they pay for these drugs and not the artificially inflated rate they are currently receiving. This will eliminate $4.5 million from PPWI.Pro-Life Wisconsin State Director Dan Miller commented, “Pro-Life Wisconsin is grateful to Governor Walker for signing into law legislation that respects the consciences of Wisconsin taxpayers who oppose public funding of abortion. Government must not force us to participate in the killing of our preborn brothers and sisters with our federal and state tax dollars.
“Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin profits from killing unborn babies and sexualizing our youth. This is not healthcare but rather a violation of the trust of women and families. It is fitting that the governor signed these bills at a pro-life pregnancy resource center, Life’s Connection, a model of true women’s health care that heals and gives hope to mother and child,” said Miller.
Heather Weininger, executive director of Wisconsin Right to Life, also expressed thanks for the signing of the two bills into law. “Today is an excellent day not only for women who seek true healthcare and support but also for the taxpayers of the state of Wisconsin who don’t wish for their money to go to controversial organizations like Planned Parenthood,” she said.