California to Grant $20 Million to Planned Parenthood Clinics

California plans to set aside $20 million for hundreds of Planned Parenthood and other community clinics throughout the state.

The Community Clinic Lifeline Grant Program will allow Planned Parenthood clinics and other small health facilities to remain in business should Republicans succeed in repealing Obamacare and defunding the abortion provider, says a press release from the state treasurer’s office.

“These community clinics that nobly serve the poorest patients in our state could be forced to shutter their doors if President Trump and Congressional Republicans are successful at replacing Obamacare with their Wealthcare and denying access to basic health services to women and children,” State Treasurer John Chiang said. “Here in California, we do not turn our backs to those in need. We will provide a helping hand to make sure men, women, children and undocumented immigrants continue to have access to the basic health care services they require.”

Republican plans to defund Planned Parenthood, however, have generally allowed for redirection of those funds to community healthcare clinics that provide more comprehensive services than Planned Parenthood. A list of alternatives to Planned Parenthood clinics in any region of the United States can be viewed at getyourcare.org.

“The program will provide reproductive health care providers like Planned Parenthood a line of defense against the persistent attacks waged by Congress and the President,” said Kathy Kneer, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.

In its latest annual report, however, Planned Parenthood showed its total revenue to be $1,354.3 million, an increase over the $1,296.1 million reported in 2014-2015. The organization shows an increase in government reimbursement and grants this year, reporting $554.6 million in taxpayer funding, while in 2014-2015 it reported $553.7 million.

Planned Parenthood also reported ”Excess in Revenue Over Expenses” of $58.8 million in 2014-2015. That amount rose to $77.5 million this past year.

The group is performing even more abortions and providing less contraception services, according to its recently released annual report.

In 2015-2016, Planned Parenthood reports performing 328,348 abortions – an increase of 4,349 abortions over the 323,999 abortions the group states it performed in 2014-2015. The organization also reported 2,945,059 contraception services in 2014-2015, and 2,808,815 of the same services in its latest report, a drop of 136,244 within a year.

The move in California will allow licensed nonprofit clinics in underserved areas that are at risk of cutting services due to actions of the federal government to be eligible for a one-time grant of up to $250,000.