Indiana measure targets Planned Parenthood

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INDIANAPOLIS, April 19 (UPI) -- Indiana legislators are considering a measure that would cut all tax dollars going to Planned Parenthood of Indiana amid the debate on abortion.

State Sen. Scott Schneider, the author of the measure to end funding for the healthcare provider, said he believes taxes paid by abortion opponents shouldn't go to a provider that performs the procedure, The Indianapolis Star reported Monday.

"If [Planned Parenthood] wants to receive taxpayer money, they can simply stop practicing abortion," the Republican senator said.

The 36-13 party-line vote in the state Senate joins Schneider's measure with another abortion bill, House Bill 1210.

Planned Parenthood funds abortions with private donations and patient fees, receiving tax dollars only to pay for services such as birth control, pap smears, cancer screenings and sexually transmitted disease tests for 22,000 poor Indiana residents, the organization said.

Democratic Sen. Karen Tallian noted hospitals would still be able to provide abortions and receive taxpayer money, calling the measure an effort to punish Planned Parenthood.