Planned Parenthood Responds to Senator Heller’s Comments on Trumpcare
For Immediate Release: June 23, 2017
Las Vegas, NV - Today, at a press conference with Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, Senator Heller stated that he would vote “no” on the Senate health care bill as drafted.
When asked about a provision that could block 16,000 Nevadans from accessing care at Planned Parenthood, Senator Heller said:
“I want just to be very clear. I do not have beef with Planned Parenthood. I'm not opposed to Planned Parenthood. What I’m opposed to is any group or organization or clinic, regardless of who they are, if they receive federal funds and perform abortions, I won't support it. That’s my position.” (video here, 38:34)
Statement from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President, Planned Parenthood Action Fund:
As Senator Heller knows full and well, federal funding does not pay for abortions. Like other health care providers, Planned Parenthood receives Medicaid reimbursements for preventive care, including birth control, life saving cancer screenings, and HIV testing. Yet, Trumpcare singles out Planned Parenthood and undermines the health care of over 16,000 Nevadans. Nevadans want Sen. Heller to stand up for his constituents, and reject attacks on Planned Parenthood. Just three months ago, Sen. Heller said he would do just that, and protect access to care at Planned Parenthood. Nevadans expect him to keep his word.
In April, Senator Dean Heller, in a town hall with 600 of his constituents, said he would “protect Planned Parenthood.” Nevadans expect him to keep his word. According to PPP, 60% of Nevada voters oppose “defunding” Planned Parenthood, and the majority are less likely to support an elected official who would “defund” Planned Parenthood.
Thousands of Nevadans have made thousands of calls into Heller’s office to tell him to protect access to care at Planned Parenthood and earlier this month held a field hearing with Senator Cortez Masto to talk about the impact Trumpcare could have on women and families in Nevada.
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Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including voter education, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy.