Fact Check: Planned parenthood receives $700 million of taxpayers money every year

Planned Parenthood and Taxpayer Funding: An Examination of the Claim

Introduction

The claim that "Planned Parenthood receives $700 million of taxpayers' money every year" has been a point of contention in political and social discussions. This assertion raises questions about the organization's funding sources and the implications of taxpayer dollars being allocated to health services, including reproductive health.

What We Know

1. Funding Amounts: According to various sources, Planned Parenthood's funding from government sources has been reported to be around $670 million to $700 million annually. For instance, a recent report indicated that during the 2021-2022 fiscal year, Planned Parenthood received approximately $670.4 million in taxpayer funding 2. Other sources, including pro-life advocacy groups, have echoed the claim of $700 million 410.

2. Types of Funding: Planned Parenthood receives funding through various federal programs, including Title X, which is designated for family planning services. The organization has historically received around $500 million to $528 million annually from government sources, as reported by NPR in 2015 3. The discrepancy in reported funding amounts may stem from different interpretations of what constitutes "taxpayer funding" and the inclusion of various federal and state sources.

3. Use of Funds: Planned Parenthood states that the funds are used for a range of health services beyond abortion, including cancer screenings, STI testing, and contraception 3. However, critics argue that a significant portion of these funds indirectly supports abortion services, which has led to ongoing debates about the ethics of public funding for such services.

Analysis

The claim of $700 million in taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood is supported by several sources, but the reliability and context of these sources vary significantly:

• Credibility of Sources: The Government Accountability Office (GAO) provides a factual basis for understanding federal funding allocations, but the specific report referenced is not directly cited in the claim 1. This raises questions about the accuracy of the figures being discussed.

• Political Bias: Many sources that support the $700 million claim, such as pro-life organizations and political commentary, may have inherent biases that affect their presentation of facts. For example, sources like Students for Life of America and other pro-life advocates are likely to frame the funding in a way that emphasizes their opposition to abortion 810. This could lead to inflated figures or selective reporting of data.

• Methodology Concerns: The methodology behind how these funding figures are calculated can vary. For instance, some reports might aggregate various forms of funding (federal, state, and local) without clear delineation, which could lead to confusion about the total amount attributed to federal taxpayer dollars specifically.

• Contradicting Information: While some sources assert the $700 million figure, others, including NPR, have reported lower amounts, indicating that the actual taxpayer funding may be closer to $500 million 3. This discrepancy highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of what is included in the funding totals.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly False

The claim that Planned Parenthood receives $700 million in taxpayer funding annually is "Mostly False." While there are reports indicating that the organization receives funding in the range of $670 million to $700 million, the actual amount attributed specifically to federal taxpayer dollars is often lower, with some credible sources suggesting it is closer to $500 million. The variation in reported figures arises from differing interpretations of what constitutes taxpayer funding and the inclusion of various federal and state sources.

It is important to recognize that while Planned Parenthood does receive significant government funding, the context and methodology behind these figures can be misleading. Many sources that support the $700 million claim may have political biases that influence their reporting. Additionally, the lack of clarity in how these funding totals are calculated contributes to the uncertainty surrounding the claim.

Readers should be aware of these nuances and critically evaluate the information presented, considering the potential for bias and the complexity of funding sources. As with many contentious issues, a careful examination of the evidence is essential for forming an informed opinion.

Sources

1. Health Care Funding: Federal Funding for Certain Organizations - GAO. GAO Report
2. Ranking Member Cassidy Calls Out Planned Parenthood's Opaque Reporting - Senate Help Committee. Senate Press Release
3. Fact Check: How Does Planned Parenthood Spend That Government Money? - NPR. NPR Article
4. SBA Celebrates Passage of Senate Budget Resolution - SBA Pro-Life. SBA Press Release
5. Who bills for ‘reproductive’ services? Not pregnancy help - National Right to Life. NRLC Article
6. Trump admin cuts tens of millions from Planned Parenthood - Politico. Politico Article
7. Pro-life advocates call on Trump, Congress to fully defund Planned Parenthood - Franciscan Media. Franciscan Media Article
8. Students for Life of America Calls on Trump to Defund His Political Adversary - Students for Life of America. Students for Life Article
9. Action Center - NCHLA. NCHLA Campaign
10. Pro-life leaders gather to call for defunding of Planned Parenthood - Live Action. Live Action Article