Urbandale, Iowa –- A statewide political organization led by a Sheldon native is weighing into the Planned Parenthood debate — and they want Governor Branstad to stop all funding to Planned Parenthood.
The FAMiLY LEADER Foundation has launched a new web-based campaign and professionally produced, hard-hitting video that reminds Branstad he promised five years ago to defund Planned Parenthood in Iowa.
The goal of the campaign is to mobilize all Iowans to demand Branstad keep his promise.
According to the FAMiLY LEADER, Branstad pledged during a 2010 gubernatorial debate on Iowa Public Television to make Planned Parenthood one of the first programs he would defund upon being elected. And yet, they allege that millions in taxpayer dollars are still flowing to Planned Parenthood through state contracts.
They contend that Branstad has been provided with legal evidence that he has cause to terminate those contracts, particularly as Planned Parenthood of the Heartland is already under Medicaid fraud investigation.
Bob Vander Plaats, president and CEO of The FAMiLY LEADER Foundation, and a Sheldon native, says QUOTE “There are no excuses left for Branstad’s inaction.” He says “[Branstad’s] own party insists he act.
“Furthermore, Iowa has over 200 women’s health clinics not affiliated with Planned Parenthood and which offer more comprehensive health care – such as mammograms and well-child services – that Planned Parenthood does not provide,” Vander Plaats adds. “Imagine what those millions in Medicaid and taxpayer dollars could do if they were used in those 200 clinics across the state instead of concentrated in only 13 Iowa communities where Planned Parenthood clinics are located.”
