Senator Seeks Investigation into Planned Parenthood’s Use of Federal Funds

Congress is on the verge of letting a ban lapse, which previously stopped tax dollars from reaching Planned Parenthood. Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, wants to examine how taxpayer money may have been used by the organization for transgender procedures.

Hawley addressed a letter to Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, urging an investigation. The letter, shared with Fox News Digital, questions about $1.5 billion in Medicare and Medicaid funding. Hawley suggests this money might support Planned Parenthood’s promotion of transgender treatments for minors.

Hawley is concerned about potential misuse of funds intended for federally funded healthcare programs. He wrote, “I urge you to direct your investigative efforts toward Planned Parenthood and its role in pushing transgender madness onto minor children.” Planned Parenthood did not respond to a request for comment.

Last year, Republicans blocked federal tax dollars from reaching abortion providers through a bill endorsed by President Donald Trump. However, this ban will end on July 4. Efforts to extend this ban, including Hawley’s amendment to a budget plan, have failed.

“The organization openly advertises that it provides sex-change drugs and refers for transgender surgeries,” Hawley claims.

Hawley wants to uncover if $1.5 billion in funding was used to guide minors towards gender-affirming medications or surgeries. He accuses Planned Parenthood of exploiting loopholes to provide gender-transition drugs to minors without consent from parents.

Hawley highlighted a Government Accountability Office report from November 2023. The report tracked money between 2019 and 2022, but did not specify its use for transgender surgeries or medications.

According to Hawley, Planned Parenthood’s involvement in “gender-affirming care” has seen a marked increase, with a reported 40% rise over the previous year. He argues that this funding shift takes resources from vulnerable groups, like those in poverty or the elderly, to support Planned Parenthood’s transgender services for minors.