The Senate voted to overturn protections for Title X, the nation's family planning program. The vote was tied until Vice President Pence jumped in to vote against Title X and the 4 million people who depend on it for birth control, well-woman exams, and more essential care.
This is simply grotesque. Yesterday, Vice President Mike Pence was a key speaker at a White House Women’s Empowerment Panel. Just minutes ago, he cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate to dismantle President Obama’s rule protecting access to basic health care services through the Title X family planning program.
It's clear that after the stunning defeat of their health care repeal bill, out-of-touch lawmakers aren’t backing down from their attacks on reproductive health care.
“A group of male politicians — led by Mike Pence — are once again trying to rip away women’s access to birth control. There’s a reason this measure barely passed: people are sick and tired of politicians making it even harder for them to access health care, and they will not stand for it.
—Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America
A Vote Without Debate
Here's the timeline: In January, the Obama administration moved to protect the Title X program and the more than 4 million people who rely on it for preventive health care. After the inauguration, the federal government fell into the hands of extremist lawmakers who have tried for years to cut people off from reproductive care.
This morning, anti-women's health politicians in the Senate moved to demolish the Obama administration's protections. They were one vote short — so, Vice President Pence rushed over to push this outrageous bill through. That's right: The vote was tied 50-50 until Vice President Pence cast the deciding vote.
In a gross display of disregard for women’s health, GOP Senate leaders refused to even explain their support for the bill on the Senate floor. That refusal came despite repeated demands for explanation from leaders like Senator Patty Murray (D-WA).
Next stop for the bill: President Donald Trump's desk. With President Trump's signature, consider the Title X protections officially overturned.
Impact
Pence and extremists in Congress just made it harder for women to get the essential, basic health care they need to survive and to thrive. This dangerous bill emboldens states to prevent use of Title X funds at a health center just because it also provides safe, legal abortion.
“Too many people still face barriers to health care, especially young people, people of color, those who live in rural areas, and people with low incomes. We call on President Trump to stand by his word, and not undermine access to birth control for women with low incomes.”
—Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
About Title X
Title X provides basic preventive health care for millions of people with low incomes or without health insurance. Title X is the only federal program dedicated solely to family planning. Learn everything you need to know about Title X.
Take Action
In case it wasn’t clear, Pence and his allies in Congress are dead set on dismantling access to health care and protections for women wherever they can — no matter how many people they hurt, and no matter how unpopular it is. Take action to protect access to reproductive health.
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