thebigp

By Kristan Hawkins—Real clear politics
Unlike most public policy, unfettered a******n was brought to life following a Supreme Court judgment call made by seven men in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. Without the input of the executive or legislative branches of government, all of the nation’s a******n-related laws were wiped out with the judicial stroke of pen. But with the future of Roe in doubt, according to legal experts, reconsidering the assumptions that have been made about a billion-dollar a******n industry is timely. Case in point, why should Planned Parenthood have a “get out of taxes free” card and avoid the financial realities that impact other businesses in America?
At the very least, Planned Parenthood and the nation’s a******n vendors should be taxed, just as cigarettes, alcohol and gambling are taxed, because of the high social costs of a******n for the women subjected to them.
Pregnancy is not a disease cured by a******n, and when it comes to actual health care, Planned Parenthood offers fewer services and none (except a******n) that are not widely available elsewhere. Planned Parenthood’s just released annual report for 2018-2019 shows that its a******n business is booming and that taxpayer support is at a record high at more than $616 million in 2018. Over the past 10 years, taxpayer support of Planned Parenthood has increased by almost 70%.
Women sold a******ns have risks of bleeding and exposure to disease, as well as higher risks of mental health issues, higher rates of suicide, infections, further surgeries (including hysterectomies) and infertility. Breast cancer rates are higher for women whose first pregnancy ended in a******n. A taxed Planned Parenthood would result in redistributed funds needed to address the social fallout of a******n.
Taxes impact health care providers. For example, the National Conference of State Legislators notes that a "provider tax,” sometimes termed a "fee" or "assessment," authorizes collecting revenue from specified categories of providers. “In most states, it is used as a mechanism to generate new in-state funds and match them with federal funds so that the state gets additional federal Medicaid dollars,” and as such it can generate billions, the organization reports. In fact, 49 states and the District of Columbia use such taxes. Only Alaska has refrained.
Operating with more than half-a-billion dollars in taxpayer funds and tax-free status gives Planned Parenthood incredible room to maneuver politically.
As reported at National Review, “Planned Parenthood’s PAC is among the most powerful lobbying groups in American politics, shelling out $40 million last year for “public policy” and investing upward of $175 million in such nebulous categories as “movement building,” “strengthening and securing Planned Parenthood,” and “engaging communities.”
Considering the level of activism subsidized on the taxpayers’ dime, requiring Planned Parenthood to contribute taxes is a natural step in addressing a billion-dollar industry that has been shown to negatively impact women.
And frankly, taxing things – harmful or not – is a common cost of business and strongly advocated by the current crop of Democratic political hopefuls.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren want to tax “wealth.” Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants taxes on fuel and drinks with sugar. Anyone who has booked a hotel room in recent years has seen the fat “room tax” that municipalities add to a stay in a community. Consider that “the median state tax on cigarettes has increased more than fourfold — from 34 cents in 2000 to $1.57 in 2017,” according to a Pew study.
Industry by industry, economists can chart the impact of Uncle Sam taking a cut, and, in this p**********l season, “at least seven Democratic p**********l candidates have proposed raising the corporate income tax rate” just as a cost of doing business in the U.S., notes the Tax Foundation.
Why should the profitable a******n industry refuse to pay its fair share?
According to the National Council of Nonprofits, loss of tax exempt status is possible when an organization dev**es “a substantial part of its activities to attempting to influence legislation,” “participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office,” or “organized for or conduct activities that are illegal or violate fundamental public policies.” Such as policies protecting women’s health and safety in health care settings, for example? In the case out of Louisiana coming to the Supreme Court in March, the justices will ponder the question of whether an a******n vendor should be able to ignore health and safety standards designed to protect women in real health care settings. Even if a******n were in the Constitution – and it’s not – that still does not justify tax-free status or a right to ignore laws and regulations designed for public safety. A right to bear arms is in the Second Amendment but weapons are not sold tax-free or with taxpayer subsidies.
Planned Parenthood tries to have it both ways, dodging laws and costs by hiding behind the Constitution, but fundraising and engaging with the media in the name of health care.
Given how sharply divided the country is over a******n, common ground can be found in ending the special status Planned Parenthood has achieved through its political contacts and require it operate like the health care enterprise it claims to be.
Kristan Hawkins is president of Students for Life of America, which has more than 1,200 chapters on college and high school campuses in all 50 states. Follow her @KristanHawkins or subscribe to her podcast, “Explicitly Pro-Life.” - real clear politics

Carol Kelly

Another great post and an even better question. I despise the idea that I am implicated in the murder of innocent victims through the taxes that I pay. WRONG!!!

4430 Loc: Little Egypt ** Southern Illinory

So am I , however Trump is fighting that battle with us and I think we will win out over all !

woodguru

Was that even a real question?

You would first need to understand what a non profit organization is. This one does the vast majority of what it does for women who cannot afford preventative healthcare, tests and prenatal care that save lives.

Are you aware that statistically women in this country have a lower ratio of healthy successful births among pregnant women than many other countries? It's because other countries offer far better prenatal care and monitoring of pregnancies.

Every time women's healthcare organizations get attacked through funding or red state actions that shut down clinics because of a******n concerns it is money that goes to other things like early cancer screening and ultrasounds.

This is ironically or perhaps moronically humorous in a dark way, but anti a******n measures and attacks that make women's healthcare organizations jump through extra hoops such as forcing ultrasounds and unnecessary extra procedures and counseling just takes money and resources away from all of the other things that provide much more healthy pregnancies or preventative tests. Worrying about people who don't want a baby harms healthcare for those who do.

Parky60 Loc: People's Republic of Illinois

So tell me woody, what do preventative healthcare, tests and prenatal care that save lives have to do with murdering babies?

4430 Loc: Little Egypt ** Southern Illinory

I'd like to hear that answer too

Jlw Loc: Wisconsin

Why then don't they use obammy care?

Bosty Loc: South jersey

Waiting for that one as well

BigJim

It's a lot cheaper to fund an a******n than to pay for a live birth, postnatal care and education.
Remember any child born because the mother could not afford an a******n is UNWANTED.
Unwanted children are for more likely to have mental health problems and become criminals. It has been suggested that the large reduction in crime seen in the 90's was a result of the 1973 Roe V Wade decision.

Parky60 Loc: People's Republic of Illinois

Ya got data to back that up big guy?

ExperienceCounts

"Unwanted children are for more likely to have mental health problems and become criminals." Back that up, please. Infants are highly wanted for adoption.

"It has been suggested that the large reduction in crime seen in the 90's as a result of the 1973 Roe V Wade decision."

Hum, and here I thought crime had increased because of the absence of fathers and the removal of Godly morality in the schools. Free condoms, a******ns without parental approval, free birth control pills, assisted child care, wic, and so on. And that's before we get into the current alphabet demonology and the effect it will have on our children.

Lt. Rob Polans ret.

Okay, justify k*****g thousands of babies.

Lt. Rob Polans ret.

If the mother knew that she was going to put the child up for adoption? Your argument falls apart for most.