As a means of getting information out I am posting on this site. The legislative session is going strong and the House has presented HB 2 to the Senate with major cuts to education, public health and corrections. The Senate Finance Committee heard testimony late into Friday night and rejected any amendments to add some funding back to the budget. I am advocating for Title X or Family Planning funding. Several years ago legislators approved some State General Funds to help Title X clinics purchase contraceptives when the cost of those skyrocketed to the point that clinics could not afford them. The proposed HB would eliminate that funding but more importantly the Montana House of Representatives has decided to deny Montana Federal Title X funds, the core of our programs. Title X funds are Federal funds and COST MONTANA NOTHING. Custer County Public Health & Family Planning is one of 27 sites throughout Montana. If these funds are not restored we will no longer be able to provide these services in our current capacity and likely not at all as ½ of our budget is dependent on these funds. Family Planning is a safety net that offers low to no cost contraceptives to women who may not afford them otherwise. Family Planning also provides cervical cancer screens, clinical breast exams, general physical exams, STD/HIV testing and treatment and links to other resources and programs. These services are provided to men, women and teens. A huge piece of Title X is the education that we provide each and every person including how to perform a breast self exam/testicular self exam, diet/exercise, STD and HIV prevention, contraceptive options, preconception counseling, unbiased pregnancy options counseling and general health counseling . The teens that we serve get all of the same education plus encouraging family involvement in their decision making, abstinence as the only 100% effective method of birth control, how to avoid sexual coercion, how to protect themselves from STD's and HIV and the role that alcohol/drugs play in their sexual health and that services are confidential for all. Title X funds are used for the above purposes only in Montana and please note abortion services are not listed. Abortion services with Family Planning (Title X) funding is illegal. For more information on how important Family Planning is in Montana there is an Annual Report that goes into more detail located at: http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/PHSD/Women-Health/WMHSHomePage.shtml

Essentially, denying Montana Title X funds will cost everyone more money as unintended pregnancies will rise, teen pregnancies will rise and Medicaid costs will rise. The average cost of one unintended pregnancy to Medicaid is over $12,000. The average cost of a year's worth of reproductive health and contraceptives is $266.

Denying Title X funds saves no one money and directly attacks our most vulnerable population - low income women. I urge people to contact our legislators regarding HB 2 currently in the Senate:
http://leg.mt.gov/css/About-the-Legislature/Lawmaking-Process/contact-legislators.asp

http://leg.mt.gov/css/Abo...lators.asp

It is such a shame that the Majority in Helena feel such vindictiveness toward Family Planning. It is a time that many are having real struggles and having someone there for Families is a true blessing. I remember a time that Family Planning did not exist and the very reason it came into being was the NEED. To me, there is something evil about self-serving behavior. They forget the old adage.."everything you give away, you get back ten-fold"....and, that works for anyone!!! I really think the following parable fits the situation in regard to defeating Title X:

I am not amazed. Lack of empathy is quite common in people even among those of similar condition. Many do not recognize the plight of the unfortunate arising from differences in innate and acquired benefits. Some among us, sadly, cannot care for themselves. That is the consequence of unbridled birthright. It is not for me to worry about myself for not acting but to worry about those who cannot help themselves.

Jesus can be your gynocologist - what's the problem with that?

"Jesus, can you ressurect my virginity? I need the purity before you use them holy hands of God" oh my! That's blasphemous:b

Poor women shouldn't have sex. Poor women shouldn't have health care. Nor should poor men for that matter. What it is so difficult to understand? The Lege cares about the wealthy and NOBODY else.

The Lege also can't think beyond dinner tonight so it never occurs to them that this bill will come due in nine months and keep costing them for years and years.

The Lege also can't think beyond dinner tonight

As our esteemed governor pointed out before the session even started, this legislature is totaly focused on thick steaks and old whiskey. His words have been prophetic in nature, speaking as a current Helena resident who sees what goes down around town.

Can't blame a fellow for going out to celebrate after a victory in the war against health care for the poor.

{Problem with emoticons is, you have to add one so that people know you are being facetious, and end up putting a smiley face on a story about a disaster.}

[This message has been edited by Bill Freese (3/21/2011)]