FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 5, 2015

CONTACT:
603-658-1187

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REJECTS FUNDING FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD

CONCORD, NH Today, the New Hampshire Executive Council refused to support a government
contract to provide taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood in New Hampshire. Planned
Parenthood has been embroiled in national controversy surrounding allegations of criminal
activity pertaining to their sale of fetal tissue.
Executive Councilor Chris Sununu issued the following statement:
Today I cast the deciding vote on the Executive Council to oppose taxpayer funding of Planned
Parenthood in New Hampshire. In the past, I supported funding for Planned Parenthood as a
provider of reproductive health services in my district. However, investigations into potential
criminal activity on both a federal and multi-state level have convinced me to withdraw that
support.
Serious ethical and legal questions have been raised nationally about Planned Parenthood.
New Hampshire would not even be considering approving such a contract if it were not for the
political influence that Planned Parenthood has. There is precedent for rejecting state contracts
when the applicant has been under investigation and surrounded by controversy, and given the
sensitivity and seriousness of this issue, Planned Parenthood should be held to a similar
standard of scrutiny.
The Executive Council has asked Governor Hassan and her Attorney General Joseph Foster to
formally investigate the matter to ensure no illegal activity has occurred. Yesterday the
Governor refused that request once again confirming her need to place politics ahead of integrity
and accountability in New Hampshire.
Today, I again called on Governor Hassan to find alternatives to Planned Parenthood in parts of
our state where there currently are none. New Hampshire should provide alternatives for
women so they can make the best choice for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, the
Governor rejected my request to promote choice for women and their health care needs. I will
continue working with the Commissioner of Health and Human Services to provide leadership
and identify alternative health care providers.
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Executive Council District 3 consists of the following cities and towns: Atkinson, Brentwood, Chester, Danville, Derry,
East Kingston, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Greenland, Hampstead, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, Kingston, New
Castle, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket, Newton, North Hampton, Nottingham, Pelham, Plaistow, Portsmouth,
Raymond, Rye, Salem, Sandown, Seabrook, South Hampton, Stratham, and Windham.