Reader disappointed with Blum’s vote

To the editor:

I am very disappointed in Congressman Rod Blum's decision to vote in favor of legislation that reduces access to women's health by freezing Planned Parenthood's funding for one year. Now it has passed in the House.

Defunding Planned Parenthood will have terrible consequences for the thousands of Iowa women and their families who depend on Planned Parenthood for vital health services each year. They go to Planned Parenthood for their health care because they trust their services and there are often few if any options around.

Just last year, more than 60,000 men and women in Iowa and in surrounding states turned to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland clinics for their health care needs, including contraception and STI tests.

There are no federal funds used for abortion in Planned Parenthood.

Zeroing out federal funding for Planned Parenthood clinics means access to health care would be greatly reduced for thousands in our state. That's unacceptable!

Mr. Blum, enough playing games with the health and well-being of Iowa families!

M. Jean Murray

Cedar Rapids