President Trump signs bill allowing states to defund Planned Parenthood

On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed a bill into law allowing states to defund Planned Parenthood and entities that commit abortions from receiving family planning funding under Title X. The new law reverses former President Barack Obama’s 11th hour parting gift to Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry, which contributed heavily to his campaigns.

The U.S. House voted to overturn Obama’s executive action in February; in March, the Senate also approved legislation to reverse the rule, with Vice President Mike Pence casting the tie-breaking vote. The law has support from individuals in charge of Medicare and Medicaid.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of SBA List, praised the move by President Trump:

“The resolution signed today simply ensures that states are not forced to fund an abortion business with Title X taxpayer dollars,” said Dannenfelser. “Rather, states have the option to spend money on comprehensive healthcare clinics that better serve women and girls.”

House Speaker Paul Ryan said the signing of the bill is an important step towards protecting taxpayers:

“Taxpayers should not be forced to fund abortion, plain and simple,” Ryan said. “We remain united and steadfast in our commitment to life and religious liberty.”

Obama had a legacy of supporting Planned Parenthood, which commits over 34 percent of abortions in the United States. In addition to the executive action, Obama vetoed legislation defunding Planned Parenthood and even sought to punish states that sought to redirect funding away from the abortion giant.