Anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List is planning to spend half a million dollars to target Planned Parenthood, as Congress works on legislation to strip the group of most of its federal funds.
The group launched some initial digital and radio ads this week, which note that Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in the U.S. The ads call for the group’s Medicaid reimbursements to be directed instead to community health centers. The ads are running in Washington outlets including the Washington Post and WTOP.
“Planned Parenthood: America’s largest abortion business. Redirect tax dollars to health centers that provide real healthcare to women,” the digital ads say.
Blocking Planned Parenthood from getting federal reimbursements is a top priority for abortion foes, who extracted a promise from President-elect Trump during his campaign that he would sign legislation defunding the women’s health and abortion provider. Medicaid dollars can’t be used for most abortions, but many conservatives believe health providers should get no taxpayer funds if they offer abortion services.
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., has said an Obamacare repeal bill will include language to block Planned Parenthood from getting Medicaid dollars, essentially stripping the group of about 30 percent of its funding.
SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser urged the House to act swiftly on a budget bill that GOP lawmakers intend to use to repeal the Affordable Care Act and defund Planned Parenthood.
“Redirecting the abortion giant’s taxpayer funding will fulfill a major pro-life commitment made by President-elect Trump to end Planned Parenthood’s taxpayer funding as long as they continue to perform abortions,” Dannenfelser said in a statement.
