Planned Parenthood, a federally sponsored program, has long been a subject of controversy in Texas. But recently, issues against the program that provides women’s healthcare and abortions have come to a breaking point with Governor Rick Perry’s proposal for a new, state run program. This Texas Women’s Health Program will provide many of the same services as Planned Parenthood (contraception, screenings) for low income women, but will not provide abortion. According to the Austin American Statesman, Perry stated “Let me be clear. Texas will not allow a program that includes abortion providers, or their affiliates like Planned Parenthood, to be a provider. And if they file a lawsuit challenging the Texas program, and they were to prevail, they will kill this program, and they would be responsible for denying these important services for the low-income women of Texas.” By stating the issue in such absolute terms, I don’t think that Perry is being quite fair. Choosing one’s healthcare provider is protected in the constitution. Perry himself said that even if the federal government refuses to give funding to the state program, Texas can and will do it alone. If this is true, and feasible, why can’t both programs be an option to women? Because Perry has proudly taken a Pro-Life stance, and all but swears to stomp out Planned Parenthood and its evil ways.
Governor Perry’s veritable crusade against Planned Parenthood as an abortion provider is regrettable, to say the least. While some may think that his staunchly Pro-Life attitude is attractive, I think it is nothing short of dictatorship. According to CNN, Perry is quoted saying “In Texas, we chose life, and we will immediately begin defunding all abortion affiliates to honor and uphold that choice.” This broad generalization puts words into the mouths of Texas women, and takes away their freedom as Americans to make that choice. Personal liberty and freedom is a tenet of Texas ideology and I find it ridiculous that Governor Perry plans on taking that away for Texan women. That being said, if low income, Pro-Life women wish to receive services from a clinic that doesn’t perform abortions, the Texas Women’s Health Program seems to be a good choice that they ought to have access to. But isn’t that a lot of funding for two programs that would offer identical services except for abortion?
I find it absurd that Texas is spending time, effort, and money not only going to court over this issue, but even creating the program in the first place. The federal and state government will always be inextricably linked. Making a choice regarding abortion should always be an option for women. If Texas doesn’t want government funded programs, then it shouldn’t be part of the union. I truly believe that it will be a dark day for democracy in Texas if Planned Parenthood and the services it provides are defunded and no longer an option to those seeking them. If you don’t like abortions, don’t have one.
“Only a Sith deals in absolutes.” ~ Obi Wan (Revenge of the Sith)
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