Julie Chang posted an article in the Austin American Statesman that reads “Austin lawmakers question why state cut HIV-prevention program”. On December 21st the Department of State Services announced that the Plan Parenthood affiliate in Houston will no longer be receiving funds from the government. This ended a 30 year contract and $600,000 received annually from the state to provide testing and care for HIV. What is concerning to me is the fact that people rely on these services. They were notified 10 days before the contract was due to end. Who will serve the needs of the people that come to the clinic for care. I see this limiting healthcare options for people that truly need it. In the past, the state has also pulled other programs from Plan Parenthood. Maybe the state feels that Plan Parenthood isn’t the best option for their funding. While I agreed that the state should represent a program that promotes health and safety I don’t agree with the state canceling the contract last minute. Think about if you just found out you were HIV positive and have no insurance?
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