I have been in correspondence with my Senator, Dan Sullivan. I was able to let him know by email that I want him to continue support of Planned Parenthood federally and locally. I am disheartened by the form letter I received from him. His letter was full of misinformation that reflected/used the words that pro-life organizations do. If he is going to write back to his constituents, he should use language that shows he is aware of what the laws are and how funding really works.
His form letter states: “Annually, Planned Parenthood receives on average approximately $500 million in federal assistance, in addition to outside revenue which amounts to over 60% of their total operating budget.”
• Fact: Planned Parenthood receives Federal money due to the fact that they bill Medicaid for health services.
His form letter states: “I recognize the important work they do on a variety of health issues, but continue to have deep reservations that the federal funds that go to Planned Parenthood are used to directly or indirectly support abortion services, which I believe is a violation of the federal statutory prohibitions for the use of such funds.”
• Fact: Planned Parenthood does not and can not use federal funds for abortions under the Hyde Agreement.
I expect my representatives to send form letters back to us Alaskans that aren’t filled with misinformation. I felt like I sent in a letter based on facts and human rights and got back a letter based on misinformation from my own elected official that was a cut and paste from pro-life advocates.
Kimala Rein
Alaskan resident of 20 years
Airport Heights, Anchorage
