S.203 - Defund Planned Parenthood Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The "Defund Planned Parenthood Act" (S.203) aims to prohibit federal funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates. Introduced in the Senate on January 23, 2025, the bill seeks to eliminate all federal financial support for the organization, regardless of any other existing laws. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood. This could lead to reduced access to healthcare services, particularly for low-income individuals who rely on these services. The impact would vary depending on the availability of alternative healthcare providers and resources.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in federal spending, aligning with fiscal conservatism.
- Re-allocation of funds to other healthcare providers or programs.
- Fulfillment of promises made to certain political constituencies.
- May reduce taxpayer burden for services some find morally objectionable.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced access to healthcare services, especially for women and low-income individuals.
- Potential increase in unintended pregnancies and related healthcare costs.
- Job losses within Planned Parenthood and related healthcare sectors.
- Possible negative impact on preventative healthcare services, such as cancer screenings.
- Could disproportionately affect rural areas with limited healthcare options.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has the power of the purse (Article I, Section 9, Clause 7), granting it significant control over federal spending. However, arguments against the bill could raise concerns about equal protection under the law if it disproportionately affects certain groups' access to healthcare. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific enumerated rights within the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).