Leadership in Action: Bobby Jindal Cuts Off 75% of Planned Parenthood’s Funding

Yesterday, Governor Bobby Jindal removed 75 percent of Planned Parenthood’s annual revenue and got state taxpayers out of the business of funding the nation’s leading abortion provider – all in one fell swoop. Jindal told the state Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) to give Planned Parenthood the necessary, 30-day notice that it was ending Planned Parenthood’s contract as a state Medicaid provider. The Hill estimates that Medicaid funding represents three-quarters of all Planned Parenthood’s funding nationwide. “In recent weeks, it has been shocking to see reports of the alleged activities taking place at Planned Parenthood facilities across the country,” Jindal said. “Planned Parenthood does not represent the values of the people of Louisiana and shows a fundamental disrespect for human life.  It has become clear that this is not an organization that is worthy of receiving public assistance from the state.” The move came as more graphic and disturbing videos were released, showing the organization’s officials engaged in gruesome – and potentially illegal – practices involving the dismemberment and sale of aborted babies’ body parts. “Planned Parenthood does not represent the values of the State of Louisiana in regards to respecting human life,” the official press release states. His move also comes as the U.S. Senate failed to defund Planned Parenthood in what numerous media outlets described as a “symbolic” vote on Monday night. Sen. Lindsey Graham skipped the vote to appear at a campaign event in New Hampshire, instead. The Louisiana governor also ordered a statewide investigation into whether Planned Parenthood violates state abortion or human organ trafficking laws and halted the building of a massive abortion facility in New Orleans following the release of the first undercover video. Jindal currently ranks 13th out of the 15 Republican presidential hopefuls included in the Real Clear Politics poll average – beating out Carly Fiorina and Graham. George Pataki and Jim Gilmore are not included in the rankings.