Jones Continues Fight Against Taxpayer-funded Abortion | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Jones Continues Fight Against Taxpayer-funded Abortion

    WASHINGTON, D.C.     Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) continued his long-standing fight against taxpayer-funded abortion by voting for H.R. 3495, the Women's Public Health and Safety Act. The bill would give states the option of choosing whether providers who perform elective abortions may participate in the state's Medicaid program. According to current law, federal funds are not to be used for elective abortions, including through Medicaid. However, the Department of Health and Human Services requires states to include abortion providers in their Medicaid programs. H.R. 3495 would give states the freedom to choose whether or not they will accept elective abortion providers in their Medicaid networks.

    "It's ridiculous that a government agency has coerced states into accepting abortion providers that receive taxpayer dollars in their Medicaid networks. Local lawmakers should be able to open Medicaid funding for the many community health centers that provide healthcare for women but do not provide abortions," said Congressman Jones. "Right now Planned Parenthood is a large recipient of Medicaid money, and Planned Parenthood clinics are responsible for the deaths of over 300,000 babies a year and the trafficking of the parts of these aborted babies. It's time we halt the millions of taxpayer dollars we give to Planned Parenthood every year and redirect that money to community health centers that do not provide abortion. This bill finally gives states that option."

    Earlier this month, Congressman Jones voted for H.R. 3134, the Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2015, which would cut off federal funding to Planned Parenthood for a year until Congress receives certification that their affiliates do not perform abortion. In May, Congressman Jones voted for H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which prevents abortions from being performed after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Congressman Jones is a senior member of the Pro-Life Caucus and has been an unwavering advocate of legislation to protect the rights of the unborn throughout his tenure in Congress.

    Contact: Maria Jeffrey
      Communications Director

    Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3)

     2333 Rayburn House Office Building
     Washington, DC 20515

     Maria.Jeffrey@mail.house.gov  •  (202) 225-3415