Ross Perot donates $1 million to Planned Parenthood in Texas

Since Texas dismantled its Medicaid-funded Women's Health Program in 2011 because Planned Parenthood was a program service provider, thousands of women across the state have lost access to affordable health services.

Continued cuts and anti-choice legislation in the state are forcing more reproductive health clinics to shut down.

But last week, The Perot Foundation of Dallas, founded by billionaire and former presidential candidate Ross Perot, donated $1 million to Planned Parenthood to help serve the women of Texas.

“For nearly 100 years Planned Parenthood has helped to educate men and women regarding family planning and general family health,” said Margot Perot in a written statement. “Our family has supported this nonprofit for many years because we are impressed with the work they do -- providing birth control; scientifically based education; breast health exams; and basic, life-saving healthcare for women who cannot afford services otherwise.”

“We also recognize the need to further inform the public of the mission of this great organization and the need to support it at this critical time,” she wrote.

The foundation has been donating to Planned Parenthood for more than 20 years, and founded the Margot Perot Center for Women and Infants.

“We are thrilled that this generous gift will enable us to continue providing basic, preventive health care," said Planned Parenthood of North Texas CEO Kenneth Lambrecht. "Thanks to the generosity of The Perot Foundation and other community members, Planned Parenthood is proud to be here for the Texans who count on us, no matter what.”