After months of contentious debate, SB0470/HB1756, an effort to take Title X funding away from Planned Parenthood, was passed during the final days of the 2009 legislative session - but the final product bore little resemblence to the bill as introduced. As it moved through committee and the sponsors amended it to focus specifically on Davidson and Shelby Counties, their true intent became clear: to intentionally defund Planned Parenthood, despite the harm it would do to the thousands of women, men, and teens we serve each year.  However, thanks to the outpouring of support from Planned Parenthood friends and supporters like you, the bill was amended with more acceptable (less anti-Planned Parenthood specific) language. 

In Davidson and Shelby counties only, the Department of Health (DOH) must now establish "a new methodology for disposition of family planning funds that disburses funds to public women's health services programs before other providers are funded."  This is similar to the process already utilized by the DOH. And, because the local Departments of Health are already seeing as many clients as possible, Planned Parenthood is likely to retain Title X funding in order to continue providing the high standard of quality, professional care to the nearly 12,000 women, men, and teens who both need and deserve it.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Thank you for your NO vote on SB0470/HB1756 and for your eloquence when speaking out against the bill.

As you may remember, SB0470/HB1756 sought to defund Planned Parenthood by excluding them from receiving Federal Title X funding. This would have put nearly 12,000 women, men, and teens in peril of losing critical health care and family planning access because some people are misinformed or confused about the work Planned Parenthood really does.

Planned Parenthood works hard every day to prevent unplanned pregnancy through their family planning services as well as their community education and training programs. Through education and prevention, they seek to empower women, men, and teens to take control of their reproductive health.

According to a Guttmacher study, in Tennessee alone, Title X supported clinics (including Planned Parenthood) help women avert 19,000 unintended pregnancies each year. That same study found Tennessee ranked 42nd in laws and policies regarding family planning services and access.

Today, in the Tennessee state legislative body, I know it takes courage to stand up in dissent to a majority and I applaud your action.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 25, 2009