New proposal would cut funds to facilities associated with abortion

The Trump administration is working to ban tax-payer funded family planning clinics associated with abortions.

The Department of Health and Human Services is planning to propose a rule that would cut off Title X funds to any facility that provides abortions or makes referrals. Title X is a $260,000 program that provides birth control and reproductive health care for millions of Americans.

Jeanne Mancini is the president of March for Life. She says she's very happy with the Trump administration's pro-life policies.

"This is a pro-life administration and we've been really delighted with how the president has been faithful to his campaign promises," she said.

The new rule won't actually defund Planned Parenthood, but it will take away tens of millions of dollars from the organization.

"Planned Parenthood health centers serve a disproportionate number of patients in this program. 41% of all people who get birth control and other preventive health care through Title X get it from Planned Parenthood health centers," said Planned Parenthood Spokesperson Erica Sackin.

Sackin says the new rule will not stop abortions, but will hurt women seeking preventative health care.

"Title X funds absolutely don't go to cover abortion care. So what this seems to be is a clearly politically motivated rule to prevent healthcare providers like Planned Parenthood from serving patients in the Title X program."

More than 200 lawmakers sent a letter to the HHS secretary this week opposing the proposal.