Updated 03/07/2013 07:12 PM
Planned Parenthood fight taken to Capitol steps
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Hundreds of Planned Parenthood activists rallied at the capitol on Thursday to urge lawmakers to repeal the so called ‘affiliate ban’ passed during the last legislative session.
The legislation blocks any state dollars from going to abortion clinics or clinics who support them. As a result of being denied state funding, some clinics have been forced to close, leaving many women without access to affordable health care.
A new bill filed in the house aims to give some of that money back. Planned Parenthood has been providing basic health services to women across the state for more than 75 years. Those services include family planning, but also provide cancer screenings.
"It turns out when I did get my pap smear, I had pre-cancerous cells, and I wouldn't have known that,” one activist said. “I probably wouldn't have gotten an exam if they weren't able to help me with the funding."
Senator Wendy Davis it's time for lawmakers to put politics aside, and focus on what's best for the health of their constituents.
"Instead stand on a principal of thinking about the human beings that we represent and making sure we do the best by them," Davis said.
Supporters of the new bill say it will save women's lives and the state money by providing preventative health care.
Still, those opposed to the bill say they don't support the possibility of any state money paying for abortions or providers who support them.