Planned Parenthood’s Abortion Mandate Under Fire

Two women from Texas, Claudia Stravato and Amanda Stukenberg, have pulled their clinics from association with the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA). Why? Because PPFA began to pressure its affiliates to perform abortions by 2013. Stravato and Stukenberg are not pro-lifers. According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, “The women say recent reforms within the organization have fed the stereotype of Planned Parenthood as a pseudo nonprofit run by New York suits chiefly concerned with dominating the abortion industry.” Stravato and Stukenberg “believe the organization has deviated from its mission, and allowed itself to become mired in a culture war over abortion” which they believe jeopardizes the rest of its services.

The new PPFA policy to require abortion services by 2013 was approved by affiliates in early 2010. According to PPFA officials, the decision came following information from clients who wanted consistent services at PPFA clinics. The Chronicle article states that “Peter Durkin, CEO of Houston’s Planned Parenthood affiliate, strongly supports requiring abortion services, which he calls a vital part of the ‘continuum of care’ and ‘a moral imperative.’ We have to have the courage of our convictions,. Particularly in red states, we have to say, ‘I’m proud of this service.'”

The Chronicle article concludes with: “Stravato and Stukenberg say they don’t regret their decision to leave. They regret the divisive, dangerous road they believe Planned Parenthood has taken, and the harmful impact it’s had on women’s health care.”

Barbara Lyons