Independence Day 2026 was a momentous day for this nation: family cookouts, parades down Main Street, and other nationwide celebrations, including the world’s largest fireworks display ever in Washington.But the celebrations also had a downside. It was also the day that the federal government reopened the funding faucets to abortion giant Planned Parenthood.Those opposed to abortion scored a major victory last year in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by defunding any facilities that perform abortions. Due to a lack of will among Senate Republican leadership, the defunding only lasted one year, so it expired on July 4.
Planned Parenthood did take a temporary hit, closing some facilities. However, when we hear the billion-dollar Planned Parenthood corporation claim of suffering a lack of services over the defunding, it is hard not to laugh.“Tens of thousands of patients have been denied access to services like cancer screenings and birth control and STI testing and treatment,” said Nora Walsh-DeVries, vice president of political and legislative affairs at Planned Parenthood Action Fund.This decline has been going on for decades. According to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, using data from Planned Parenthood’s own annual reports, since 2010, total services are down by 17%. Prenatal services are down over 80%. Total cancer screenings and prevention services, such as breast exams and pap tests, have declined by over 71%.However, this did not stop one abortion-rights advocate, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), from crowing, “I’m honored to have the endorsement of Planned Parenthood. For so many women, it’s the only place to turn for a mammogram, preventive screenings, reproductive health care, or contraception.”The problem with Klobuchar’s statement is that it is not true. Planned Parenthood does not do, and never has done, mammograms — a fact the senator should know well, considering that she was called out on this exact same lie over seven years ago. Activists opposing funding for Planned Parenthood demonstrate in front of the Supreme Court as the Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic case is heard in Washington on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
