INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana is poised to become the first state to cut off all government funding for the Planned Parenthood organization, providing a significant victory for the anti-abortion movement but presenting a political predicament for the state’s governor, Mitch Daniels, as he considers running for president.
The Indiana House voted 66-32 on Wednesday to approve a bill cutting the $3 million in federal money the state distributes to the organization for family planning and health programs.
The measure also bans abortion after the 20th week of pregnancy unless there is a substantial threat to a woman’s life or health; requires that a woman seeking an abortion be told life begins at conception; and that doctors performing abortions have admitting privileges in a nearby hospital. The Senate approved the measure this month.
The action opens a new legislative front in the conservative assault on Planned Parenthood, which has been targeted for its abortion services. Efforts to cut off federal funds in Congress failed this month, but bills are moving in a number of statehouses.
Indiana’s measure is now in Daniels’ hands, which could force him to make a decision between the state’s fiscal interests and a prime goal of his party’s social conservatives.
If he signs the measure, Indiana risks losing $4 million in federal grants for family-planning services. If he vetoes it, Daniels could antagonize social conservatives already wary of his public statements on the importance of focusing on economic issues this year.
A Daniels spokeswoman said the governor would not comment until the bill arrives on his desk. He’ll have seven calendar days once he receives the bill to take action. He also could allow it to become law without his signature, once those seven days pass.
Daniels has said he will decide on a run for president after the Legislature adjourns, which is expected Friday.
Planned Parenthood says abortions account for 3 percent of the services it provides. Its clinics across the country perform 1 million screenings for cervical cancer, 830,000 breast exams, and about 4 million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases each year.
Abortion-rights supporters say cutting funding for Planned Parenthood would primarily hurt poor women, who often have few choices for health care.
Conservative lawmakers say, however, that any money the organization receives at least indirectly supports abortions.
