On Nov. 11th, The Herald ran a letter to the editor, “DelBene fights for family issues,” regarding 1st District U.S. Rep Suzan DelBene, D-Washington. I would like to respond to that letter.
The author of the letter claims that the “special Republican committee for investigating Planned Parenthood is an extreme sham.” While I admit that there is probably no member of the committee who is without bias on the topic of abortion, the fact is that every Democrat on the committee receives political contributions from Planned Parenthood; DelBene’s are one of the highest. My late husband said “always follow the money trail.”
The writer further claims that “National polls have shown that the American public supports Planned Parenthood.” This claim is misleading, if not outright false. A 1989 Gallup poll found that 89 percent of Americans had a favorable view of Planned Parenthood, but most polling data today puts Planned Parenthoods’ favorability rating well under 50 percent. Since 2012, I understand that the percentage of registered voters who view Planned Parenthood favorably has fallen from 55 percent to 38 percent. Also, the percentage of people who support cutting off federal funds to Planned Parenthood has increased from 31 to 42 percent.
The author also mentions “multiple investigations” showing that Planned Parenthood has done nothing wrong. Where are these investigations? Since the recently released, shocking videos showing Planned Parenthood officials selling the body parts of aborted babies, I know of no such investigation.
The letter writer also claims that Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading women’s health care provider. Really? Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) already have far more locations than Planned Parenthood and treat far more patients: over 21 million a year, according to the Government Accountability Office. FQHCs provide holistic care on a sliding scale, including contraception, well woman exams, STD testing and treatment, cancer screenings and a wide range of primary health care services for women, men and children that Planned Parenthood does not. And you may be surprised to hear, they are able to provide all these services without killing anyone and dissecting them for parts!
The proposed legislation to defund Planned Parenthood simply shifts such funds to other eligible entities. It does not reduce funding for women’s health care at all.
Will DelBene really hold politicians accountable? How can she objectively do that when she is taking campaign contributions from Planned Parenthood? Even if it were possible, does it make sense for the taxpayers to fund Planned Parenthood and for it to give any part of those funds back to Democratic politicians? Absolutely not!
The writer of that letter believes DelBene to be a “champion,” “who will fight for the issues important to women and families?” All things considered, I find this hard to believe. If we continue to elect such politicians we will continue to get what we deserve!
Fortunately, we will have a better choice on the ballot next year: Elizabeth Scott!
Jeannette Sumpter is a resident of Bothell.
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