BY Benjamin ClarkMay 24, 2025
4 weeks ago
BY 
 | May 24, 2025
4 weeks ago

House votes to halt Planned Parenthood funds in narrow decision

In a razor-thin vote Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved controversial legislation that would strip federal money from abortion providers, sending shockwaves through both pro-life and pro-abortion rights circles.

According to the Christian Post, the Big Beautiful Bill Act, formally known as House Resolution 1, passed 215-214 and includes a provision to cut off federal funding for entities like Planned Parenthood, with the measure now moving to the Republican-controlled Senate and potentially to President Donald Trump.

The bill secured only Republican support in the House chamber, with every Democrat voting against it. Two Republican lawmakers, Reps. Warren Davidson of Ohio and Thomas Massie of Kentucky opposed the measure, while another Republican, Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland, voted present.

Federal Funds in Focus for Next Decade

The nearly 1,100-page legislation outlines a ban under Section 44126, prohibiting federal dollars from being given to non-profit groups that provide abortion services. This restriction would apply to funds under Title XIX of the Social Security Act for 10 years.

That clause effectively targets Planned Parenthood, a national health organization that provides a range of reproductive services, including abortion. The organization reported receiving nearly 40% of its revenue—about $792 million—from government-related reimbursements and grants.

In the most recent fiscal year, Planned Parenthood performed over 402,000 abortions, marking the highest annual total in its history. The majority of the organization's government funds do not directly cover abortion services due to existing limits such as the Hyde Amendment.

Existing Funding Limits Continue

The Hyde Amendment, first enacted in 1976, bans the use of federal money for abortion services except when the pregnancy is a result of rape, incest or poses a threat to the mother's life. This new House bill retains those same exceptions as it aims to tighten funding restrictions.

Pro-life advocacy groups welcomed the measure but noted that the retained exceptions could allow some government funds to continue supporting abortion under specific conditions. Some activists warned that this could lead providers to use those exceptions more broadly.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, head of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, characterized the bill's passage as a meaningful move against what she described as forced taxpayer funding of the abortion industry. She called it a win for both politics and public morality.

Mixed Reactions Among Pro-Life Advocates

“There is no excuse for forcing taxpayers to prop up a scandal-ridden industry,” Dannenfelser said, accusing abortion providers of focusing more on procedure access and activism than standard health services.

She continued by urging swift Senate approval, noting that "more than 400,000 babies a year, their mothers, and countless American taxpayers are depending on you.” Her sentiments echoed the broader pro-life push to deliver a legislative victory under the current Congress.

Likewise, Carol Tobias from National Right to Life emphasized that the bill strikes at the heart of funding for groups like Planned Parenthood, calling it a means to “put the brakes” on financial support for the abortion sector.

Conservatives Highlight Fiscal and Moral Stakes

Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission within the Southern Baptist Convention, said Congress’s decision illustrates that the legislative body still values preborn life. He also linked the measure to broader concerns about national character and taxpayer responsibility.

“This effort isn’t just about saving tax dollars,” Leatherwood said. “It’s about who we are morally as a nation.”

He argued that halting government support to what he called “predatory organizations” would disrupt a financial foundation critical to the abortion industry’s operations.

Criticism Over Exceptions Remains

Not all in the pro-life community fully back the bill, with some criticizing its failure to eliminate all abortion-related funding. Katie Brown Xavios of the American Life League voiced skepticism about clauses still permitting government funds in certain cases.

“This bill is not the full win it’s being portrayed to be,” Xavios said, claiming that organizations could use the exception clauses to continue operating at high capacity with federal money.

She warned that allowing even narrow exceptions might provide loopholes, arguing that, “If the exceptions are the only way Planned Parenthood will get paid…every abortion will now become a life-or-death situation.”

Senate Holds the Next Decision

The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority of 53-47. If voting falls strictly along party lines, GOP lawmakers can afford to lose no more than three votes for it to pass.

Pro-life groups are rallying constituents to pressure senators ahead of the vote. They hope to capitalize on the current balance of power and the support of President Trump, who has previously endorsed measures targeting abortion providers.

As the Senate considers the legislation, attention will remain fixed on both chambers of Congress—and the president’s desk—where this potentially major shift in federal abortion policy could soon be finalized.

Written by: Benjamin Clark

NATIONAL NEWS

SEE ALL

Churches bombed in El Fasher during RSF offensives

Three churches in the city of El Fasher, in North Darfur, were struck in deadly attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) earlier this month…
6 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

Pope Leo denounces abuse, backs transparency in church scandal

Pope Leo XIV has issued his first public statement on the clergy abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic Church, calling for zero tolerance and institutional…
6 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

Senate urged to swiftly confirm Emil Bove to appeals court post

Emil Bove’s nomination to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals is a bold move by President Donald Trump, stirring both applause and skepticism among conservatives.…
7 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

MSNBC corrects false report on Gaza aid deaths

MSNBC’s Morning Joe stumbled into a factual quagmire, forcing an on-air correction after a sloppy report smeared a vital Gaza aid group. On Thursday, correspondent…
7 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

Pakistan nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize for helping avert conflict with India

Pakistan’s bold move to nominate President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize has sparked global chatter, and for good reason. The nomination credits…
7 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

DON'T WAIT.

We publish the objective news, period. If you want the facts, then sign up below and join our movement for objective news:

    LATEST NEWS

    Newsletter

    Get news from American Digest in your inbox.

      By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: American Digest, 3000 S. Hulen Street, Ste 124 #1064, Fort Worth, TX, 76109, US, http://americandigest.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.
      Christian News Alerts is a conservative Christian publication. Share our articles to help spread the word.
      © 2025 - CHRISTIAN NEWS ALERTS - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
      magnifier