Welcome to

Planned Parenthood would get no money for non abortion services under legislation that is moving through multiple committees in the State Capitol. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, the bill also imposes new restrictions on doctors and clinics.

Under the legislation that brought a standing room only crowd to the Capitol,  Planned parenthood would lose more than quarter million dollars a year. the money currently  provides pregnancy and HIV screenings for mostly low income women. Keli Stargel’s bill says as long as the agency performs abortions, it can’t get any state money.

“Mammogram, HIV, all of those things can still redone. but they can not be an organization that is doing elective abortions” Stargel said.

Retired nurse Evelyn Richards worried out loud about women who would have to do without non abortion health care services.

“It doesn’t stop abortions and it takes away needed health care for the communities” she told the committee.

Debra Mauer, who was at the Capitol for Catholic Days got into a shouting match with the committee chairman and was nearly removed from the room.

“This is about cutting out babies and selling their parts” Mauer said. Chairman Rene Garcia corrected her:

“This bill is about transportation and having transportation protocols in place. This bill is about funding. Whether or not we will chose to fund…”

“Murderers” chimed Mauer before walking away before being escorted away.

In the end, the legislation was easily approved.

It also requires new admitting and transport agreements between doctors and hospitals.

In Texas similar legislation resulted in nearly half the clinics there closing.

Planned parenthood said it was still assessing its impact on its 22 clinics here in Florida,

The legislation has one more committee stop. A similar version is ready for a vote in the state House.