Approved: Assembly passes bill that would take $3.5M a year in federal money from Planned Parenthood

MADISON — The Wisconsin Assembly has passed a bill that would take $3.5 million a year in federal grant money away from Planned Parenthood.

The Republican-controlled Assembly passed the measure 60-35 Thursday, September 24th with no Democratic support. It now heads to the Senate. Gov. Scott Walker has said he supports it.

The bill would bar any organization that provides abortion to qualify for federal Title X grant money. Planned Parenthood is currently the only recipient of the money.

Supporters of the ban say an abortion provider should not get the money, even though federal law does not allow any of it going toward abortions.

Democratic opponents argue the change will result in fewer women having access to birth control and wellness screenings.