White House moves to block efforts to defund Planned Parenthood

The Obama administration is proposing a mandate that could force states to fund Planned Parenthood. The new Department of Health and Human Services rule would block states from redirecting funds from abortion providers like Planned Parenthood to other federally qualified health centers. The proposal states Title X family planning funds cannot be withheld for any reason other than a facility’s “ability to deliver services to program beneficiaries in an effective manner.” Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, praised the rule and said it would protect the abortion giant’s funding. Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn., called the proposal a stunt by the Obama administration to protect “friends” in the abortion industry. More than a dozen states took action to defund Planned Parenthood after undercover videos revealed the organization was trading in aborted baby body parts.