Anti-Planned Parenthood activists were dealt a blow Saturday when a federal judge in Indiana halted the enforcement of a law preventing Medicaid funding from going to the group. But on Sunday, those activists were able to take comfort in Wisconsin’s newly signed budget.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, signed a state budget Sunday that cut spending on education and health clinics, including Planned Parenthood centers, reported National Journal.
(Federal judge on eliminating Planned Parenthood funding: Not so fast)
Unsurprisingly, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin denounced the budget. The group, which runs 27 centers statewide, says that services like cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment, and birth control will be cut back. Conservatives have targeted the group because it also provides abortion services.
Julaine Appling of the organization Wisconsin Family Action said, “If organizations want to do that, we’re not saying they don’t have the right to do that under the law. While we disagree with abortions entirely, they do have that right … [But] we don’t have to use taxpayer money to do that.”
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin says the budget cuts money from the BadgerCare Family Planning Program, which aids both men and women in getting preventive health care. The Wall Street Journal reports that BadgerCare saves the state $140 million per year, according to the Department of Health.
“It is outrageous that Governor Walker would take away health care from thousands of women and families in Wisconsin,” said Cecile Richards, the president of the national Planned Parenthood organization.
Wisconsin is the fourth state to target the group. But with the ruling out of Indiana Saturday, it’s the third to actually enforce the cuts.