Wisconsin lawmakers consider Planned Parenthood funding

MADISON— About $7.5 million in federal funding for Planned Parenthood in Wisconsin would be cut off under a pair of Republican-backed bills being considered by a state Assembly Committee.

The Assembly's Health Committee held a hearing Wednesday on the measures.

Supporters defend the proposals as reasonable steps to take to prevent taxpayer money going toward a group that provides abortions.

But opponents say cutting off the federal funding will adversely affect women's health services, like cancer screenings and wellness checks, that Planned Parenthood also provides.

Both bills are expected to be debated by the full Assembly later this fall. It's less clear whether there is support for the measures in the Senate.

Gov. Scott Walker has said he supports cutting off federal funding for Planned Parenthood.