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SALT LAKE CITY -- A state lawmaker is opening a bill file to keep federal officials from routing money to Planned Parenthood through Utah state agencies. But his opponents say the measure could cause serious harm.
The vast majority of the citizens of this state do not support the agenda of Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in the country.
–Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman
Agencies like the Utah Department of Health are given federal money designated to go to Planned Parenthood. Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, says that's what his bill is trying to stop.
"The vast majority of the citizens of this state do not support the agenda of Planned Parenthood," he said. "Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in the country."
Wimmer says many people may accuse him of wanting to shut Planned Parenthood down, but he says that's not the case. Would he consider it a victory if federal officials gave the funds to Planned Parenthood without using state agencies as a go-between? He says, "Probably not."
"We want to do what we can to make sure that taxpayer dollars are not going to Planned Parenthood," said Wimmer. "But I'd be more comfortable with that then what's currently happening."
The only people he's punishing with this are the people of Utah.
–Karrie Galloway
But Planned Parenthood Association of Utah CEO Karrie Galloway says none of the money that passes though state agencies goes to funding abortions. Current laws prevent that from happening.
"The only people he's punishing with this are the people of Utah," said Galloway.
Galloway says there are only three programs funded by federal money filtered through state agencies. One program is an abstinence program, which keeps teenage girls from getting pregnant. Another goes to rape prevention. The third funds lab testing for chlamydia.
"If we don't test for it and we don't treat it, we're going to have a lot of women infertile in the state of Utah," Galloway said. "That's on Carl Wimmer's shoulders, not mine."
Email: pnelson@ksl.com
