Byrne Delivers Speech Denouncing Government Funding of Planned Parenthood

Washington, DC – April 2, 2014 – Today, Representative Bradley Byrne (AL-1) delivered a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives denouncing the fact that 45% of Planned Parenthood’s funding comes in the form of government grants.

Representative Byrne delivers his speech on the House floor today.

Planned Parenthood describes itself as the nation’s premier advocate for abortion, stating in its 2012-2013 Annual Report, “We are the most effective advocate in the country for policies that protect access to safe and legal abortion… actively lobbying in every state legislature.” The report states for the period ending September 30, 2012, the organization performed 327,166 abortions and received $540.6 million in government grants, roughly 45% of the organization’s total revenue of $1.2 billion.

Byrne said: “Forty-five percent of Planned Parenthood’s total revenue, equaling $540 million last year, was provided directly by the American taxpayer through government grants. Planned Parenthood describes itself as the nation’s premier advocate for abortion, performing more than 327,000 abortions in 2012 and lobbying in every state legislature.

“My constituents find the practice of abortion morally abhorrent and threatening to the social fabric of this country, and they should not be forced to subsidize abortions provided through this organization nationwide. We must respect the consciences of millions of Americans by ending the practice of government funding for abortions.”

This week, Representative Byrne signed on to a letter authored by Reps. Diane Black (TN-6) and Martha Roby (AL-2) to Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Jack Kingston (GA-1) “requesting the inclusion of language ending taxpayer subsidies to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and its affiliates.” Byrne also supported passage of H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which prohibits the use of federal funding for abortion. The measure passed the House 227-188 on January 28.

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Video of the speech can be found here