Topeka, KS — Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson has approved a complete cut in funding for the popular Sen. Stan Clark Pregnancy Maintenance Initiative which funded maternity homes and a pregnancy crisis hotline. However, earlier this year, Parkinson exercised his line-item veto power to stop an amendment to the budget that would have defunded Planned Parenthood, which had the overwhelming support of both the people and the Legislature.
“Parkinson’s actions will have the affect of diminishing the options of women facing crisis pregnancies,” said Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Policy Advisor for Operation Rescue. “There are already a shortage of beds at Kansas maternity homes. Parkinson has heartlessly put many of the women who would seek shelter in these homes out on the street. That will drive many women to the abortion clinics, not because they want abortions, but because Gov. Parkinson’s policies have taken away their choices that involve keeping their babies. Whether you are pro-life or pro-choice, Parkinson’s callous disregard for the plight of women and their wanted children should inspire outrage.”
The maternity homes will lose $345,000 in funding, while at least $300,000 will continue to go to Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri, which is currently facing 107 criminal charges. Adding insult to injury is the fact that because Planned Parenthood also operates in Missouri, it receives approximately a matching sum of tax money from that state in addition to the Kansas tax funds.
Parkinson attempted to shift the blame for his decision to approved the maternity home defunding by saying it was a recommendation of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
“Parkinson doesn’t even have the courage to own up to his decision to approve the defunding recommendation. Without his approval, the cuts in programs that aid needy women would not have been made,” said Sullenger. “He has taken it upon himself to defy the will of the people of this state and placed vulnerable women at risk. I don’t know how that man can sleep at night.”
Please contact Gov. Parkinson and ask him to restore funding for the Sen. Stan Clark Pregnancy Maintenance Initiative. Click here for E-mail Form.