House Approves Ban on Funding Planned Parenthood

New Hampshire HB 228 which prevents taxpayers' dollars from being appropriated to organizations that provide abortions as part of their services (like Planned Parenthood) passed on Jan. 18, 2012 with a vote of 207-147, reported the Nashua Telegraph.

House Speaker William O'Brien, R-Mont Vernon, pitted his leadership team against a GOP-dominated committee, which advised the termination of HB 228by vote of 12-5.

An amendment to the bill, which O'Brien co-authored and garnered support from the House, allows hospitals to perform emergency abortions with public funds, and allows abortion providers to start separate businesses to continue getting family planning money. Also, a provision was added which denies insurance coverage for most abortions sought by public employees.

Rep. Robert Fredette Hillsborough was one of 60 House Republicans who went against O'Brien's wishes and voted against the bill.