President Donald Trump has offered to continue funding for Planned Parenthood if the organization ends their abortion services. While the offer has not been formalized, Trump confirmed on Monday that the discussions were occurring in a statement to The New York Times.
Trump's statement said in part, "There is an opportunity for organizations to continue the important work they do in support of women’s health, while not providing abortion services."
This position remains consistent with Trump's campaign statements.
"Millions and millions of women—cervical cancer, breast cancer—are helped by Planned Parenthood," Trump said in a Republican Primary Debate. "I would defund it because I’m pro-life, but millions of women are helped by Planned Parenthood."
Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, responded to the proposed offer by saying Planned Parenthood "will always stand for women's ability to make decisions about their health and lives, without interference from politicians," according to Fox News.
"Let’s be clear: Federal funds already do not pay for abortions," Dawn Laguens, the executive vice president of Planned Parenthood told the Times.
Planned Parenthood has seen a decrease in traffic over the last decade according to their annual report. In 2015 Planned Parenthood saw 2.5 million women compared to 3.1 million in 2006. Fox News reports these numbers mean that among women of reproductive age, only 2 percent will use Planned Parenthood for health care in a given year.