Lawmaker wants state to stop funding Planned Parenthood

An Indiana legislative committee could vote Thursday on whether to advance a proposal that would prohibit any state contracts or grants with Planned Parenthood or other organizations that provide abortions.

Republican Rep. Matt Ubelor of Bloomfield said he wants to cut off about $1.6 million that Planned Parenthood of Indiana receives from the state for medical services not involving abortions.

He told the House Public Policy Committee on Wednesday that he didn't want to reduce the availability of women's health services, but believed abortion providers shouldn't receive taxpayer funding.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana president Betty Cockrum said 94 percent of its work doesn't involve abortions. She said the group provides thousands of women with pelvic exams and education about preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.