The Arizona state Senate voted on Tuesday to bar abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood from receiving state family planning money.
In an 18-8 vote, the Senate passed the Whole Woman’s Health Funding Priority Act of Arizona, which would halt funding to organizations that provide abortions. (RELATED: More on Planned Parenthood)
Arizona law already prohibits public funding of abortion, but advocates for the legislation contend that it will prevent money from indirectly funding the procedure.
Pro-life groups cheered the legislation, which has already passed the State House.
“Planned Parenthood’s abortion-centered business model does not need or deserve taxpayer dollars,” said former Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, vice president of Government Affairs for the pro-life group SBA List, in a statement. “We encourage Gov. Brewer to quickly sign this bill into law. Arizona is leading the charge to protect taxpayers and women from Planned Parenthood and the violence of abortion.”
The legislation follows on the heels of similar legislation in other states such as Texas, whose actions have sparked federal reprimand and lawsuits.
The Associated Press reports that Planned Parenthood is claiming that such a funding ban will affect services for 19,000 women.