Letter: Continue funding Planned Parenthood

Our governor has suddenly changed course and has decided that state-run medical programs aren't so bad after all. Gov. Terry Branstad turned the Medicaid system over to private contractors because it would save money. But now he believes that we should create a new state-run program to provide family planning services. Are state run medical programs cost effective or aren't they? Which is it, governor?

Rather than making a decision based on what is best for Iowans, Branstad and the Republican-led legislature have decided that the well-being of women and families should become a political football. In an effort to defund Planned Parenthood, they are proposing to refuse about $3 million in federal Medicaid funding. Our governor plans to cover that loss of revenue by shifting money from the Iowa Department of Human Services. According to Ben Hammes, Branstad's spokesman, the DHS has a $3.4 million cushion that can be shifted to provide these new family planning services. Seriously, the DHS has an extra $3.4 million in their budget? I thought the state of Iowa needed to cut over $100 million from this year's budget? It is suspect when extra money shows up just when the governor needs it.

Planned Parenthood has a proven track record of providing economical and effective family planning services in Iowa. Data shows us that the most effective way to reduce unplanned pregnancies is to provide quality and accessible family planning. Planned Parenthood does that. Why would we create another government program?

Cindy Garlock

Cedar Rapids