The Republican-led House of Representatives, on a 240 to 185 vote, is another step closer to end funding for Planned Parenthood under Title X, eliminating no-charge medical services for low-income citizens.

Republican representative Mike Pence comments on the vote for the motion he introduced.

“This afternoon’s vote is a victory for taxpayers and a victory for life.”

Pence adds, “By banning federal funding to Planned Parenthood, Congress has taken a stand for millions of Americans who believe their tax dollars should not be used to subsidize the largest abortion provider in America.”

Federal law currently prohibits federal dollars for abortions under the guidelines of Title X. This amendment would cut funding for family panning, both preventive and medical services, as well as birth control.

K. Marie Anthony, nurse practitioner for the student health center at Cerritos College believes this would have severely negative effects on the community.

“I used to work at Planned Parenthood and 95 percent of what [happens] there is family planning. People think of Planned Parenthood and they think abortions, which is about 5 percent. The rest is family panning, education, STD testing. It would be catastrophic.”

Anthony adds, “What I see in the long term is a rise in pregnancies, a severe rise in STD rates, which are high already… preventive health is so much cheaper than trying to detect  problems after the fact. The cost of testing is so much cheaper than treating chlamydia or having it go to pelvic inflammatory disease.”

Lucia Sarabia, broadcasting major, believes the funding cuts would ultimately cost taxpayers even more.

“I think teenagers are sometimes scared to go in and get tested as it is, and if it’s no longer provided free of charge, then that is even more of a reason not to go in and get tested.”

President Barack Obama is resolved to veto the bill as soon as it reaches him. The senate is also poised to vote in favor of continued funding to Title X.